Gosden team’s dream start with Mishriff

Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1)

THE Irish-foaled Make Believe colt Mishriff came from the widest starting point, and from behind the entire field, to see off the challenge of the Japanese pair of Chrono Genesis and Loves Only You in a vintage renewal of the $5 million Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic. While it was not the feature race on the card, it was most certainly the best quality field of the evening.

Ridden with great confidence by 21-year-old David Egan, Mishriff was adding to his recent victory in the world’s richest race, the Saudi Cup, and showed great versatility on the Meydan turf for the training duo of John and Thady Gosden.

Two necks separated the first three horses home as Mishriff provided Gosden senior with his third win in the race, following the 2010 victory of Dar Re Mi and the 2017 success of Jack Hobbs. The winning time was a new track record.

The Prince Faisal owned and bred colt will now focus on a European turf season, and last year’s Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club-French Derby winner was completing a memorable double on the night for the Gosden father and son team, following Lord North’s Dubai Turf win.

Mishriff’s jockey David Egan, surely a champion jockey in waiting, was full of praise for his willing partner. He said: “This horse has brought me to the next level by winning the Saudi Cup, and this is just the icing on the cake.

“He’s a champion. If he’s ridden with restraint and put in a rhythm, he could be deadly in Europe this year.”

Thady Gosden, who just a week before the race joined his father on the licence, said: “He’s such a tough horse and he’s shown his versatility. He’s a brilliant horse and obviously really talented. Hats off to everyone at home. They do all the hard work and take care of these horses, every day doing such a fantastic job.”

The rider of the third horse, Loves Only You, Oisin Murphy paid tribute to the winner, describing him as “a super horse”.

Winner of six of his 10 lifetime starts, Mishriff has now amassed a stunning £10 million in earnings.