Old Persian had been considered a major contender beforehand. He set off at a steady gallop behind the pacesetter Japanese-trained Rey De Oro.
However, as the eight runners swung into the homestretch, jockey Buick was able to point his 4YO homebred Dubawicolt into clear running and quickly they established a winning break before the final 200m. He made US$6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic
The Japanese pair of Cheval Grand and Suave Richard came from off the pace to get within a length-and-a-half and half a length respectively of the winner at the line. The time clocked for the 2410m was the second fastest in the past decade at 2 minutes 27.17 seconds.
Potent trainer-jockey combination Charlie Appleby and William Buick with a remarkable treble on the Dubai World Cup card.
Winning jockey Buick said, “It was a beautiful performance from the horse. Coming here tonight, we knew we had exceptional horses in good shape, but with the international competition, it can sometimes be hard to weigh up. Especially in this race, the Sheema Classic, you had to give respect to the Japanese and to Aidan O'Brien's horse. It was a big effort.”
For Old Persian, it was his eighth career victory in 13 starts and his first at the highest level. Last year he won at G2 level both at Royal Ascot and at York in the Great Voltigeur Stakes when he outpointed Cross Counter, winner of the Dubai Gold Cup.
Race Info:
Distance: 2,410 metres (1 1⁄2 miles),(2,400 metres prior to 2010), Surface: Turf, Track: Left-handed,Qualification: For Southern Hemisphere 3 year olds and Northern Hemisphere four year olds, Weight: 3YO 54.5kg, NH & SH 4YO+ 57kg, Purse: US$6,000,000
When & Where: 30th March 2019 at Meydan Racecourse, UAE
Credit: Curated from press releases received from Dubai Racing Club