It is generally an accurate observation that a gathering of iconic thoroughbred horses, perfectly prepared mentally and physically for a specific course, tend to make memorable races! This was certainly the case on Saturday, March 30th at 4.40pm UAE local time, as a mesmerising 2024 Dubai World Cup race burst out of the starting gates at the magnificent Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
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The Horses That Made Dubai World Cup 2024
Let’s take a look at the horses that took us to a higher plane of racing drama over 3200 metres (about 1 1/4 miles) on Meydan’s dirt track back in March.
Laurel River:
The star of the show, Laurel River, galloped to a blistering victory and cemented his place in racing history. Ridden by jockey Tadhg O’Shea and trained by Dubai-based Bhupat Seemar, Laurel River dominated the field to win by an impressive eight-and-a-half lengths. O’Shea’s tight relationship with the horse seemed fundamental to this dazzling performance, a triumph which earned them a cool $7.2 million in prize money.
Seemar only assumed responsibility for training Laurel River this season, when owner and breeder Juddmonte Farms, decided to relocate the horse from California to Dubai. Seemar’s expertise has played a crucial role in Laurel River’s success and takes credit for moulding the Kentucky-bred 6-year-old colt into such an exceptional athlete.
Breeding: Laurel River was sired by Into Mischief out of the Empire Maker mare Calm Water. His lineage boasts a mix of speed and stamina. A formidable competitor, known for his powerful closing kick as the finish line looms, but befitting of a champion, calm and composed off the track.
Race History: An impressive racing career from 2020 to 2024, including victories in the 2024 Dubai World Cup (G1), the 2024 Burj Nahaar (G3), and the 2022 Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2).
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Ushba Tesoro:
A worthy former Dubai World Cup champion, Ushba Tesoro, secured a remarkable victory in the 2023 race. The Japanese thoroughbred, ridden by jockey Yuga Kawada and trained by Noboru Takagi, rallied late to beat Algiers by a convincing 2 3/4 lengths. This time out in the 2024 Dubai World Cup, despite an unchanged jockey and trainer partnership, after putting up a valiant fight he had to settle for second place. An exceptionally talented horse, who nevertheless returned a respectable $2.4 million in prize money for owner Kenji Ryotokuji Holdings.
His name is an amalgamation of “Ushba,” after a mountain in Georgia, and “Tesoro,” chosen by his owner. Foaled on March 4, 2017, Ushba Tesoro has left his hoof prints on numerous racetracks as a distinguished champion.
Breeding: Ushba Tesoro’s sire is Orfevre. His dam is Millefeui Attach, a mare sired by King Kamehameha. His pedigree lineage brings a rich inheritance of racing qualities: stamina over extended distances, acceleration, and adaptability across a variety of race surfaces. A stalker/closer able to surge from behind and although spirited, easier to control since his switch to dirt racing which suits him mentally and physically.
Race History: Winner of the Tokyo Daishoten in 2022, going on to win the Kawasaki Kinen, Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, and the Dubai World Cup in 2023. Awards: JRA Special Award (2023). NAR Dirt Grace Race Special Award (2023).
Senor Buscador:
In third place at the 2024 Dubai World Cup, we had Senor Buscador, ridden by Junior Alvarado and trained by Todd Fincher. This gritty competitor secured a payday of $1.2 million in the colours of Sharaf Mohammed S. Al Hariri and Joe Peacock.
A big hearted, classy six-year-old who tries his all with apparent inner peace. Senor Buscador’s journey has taken him to many tracks, a true standout in the racing world.
Breeding: Senor Buscador was bred in Kentucky, United States by Joe R Peacock Sr. & Joe R Peacock Jr. He is sired by Mineshaft and his dam is Rose’s Desert, a mare by Desert God. Always runs hard but prefers to come from further back in the field and weave past horses on his way to the front-three.
Race History: Notable wins at the 2020 Remington Springboard Mile (LS), 2022 Ack Ack (G3), 2023 San Diego Handicap (G2) and 2024 Saudi Cup (G1).
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Dubai World Cup was an electrifying spectacle, showcasing the finest equine talent on the grand stage. We now look forward to April 2025’s edition, with iconic horses and intense competition, the Dubai World Cup consistently delivers thrilling and unforgettable races.
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