DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC

(GROUP 1)

SHEIKH Mohammad’s homebred Old Persian, a four-year-old son of Dubawi, proved too powerful for a strong Japanese and Irish challenge in the $6 million Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic and capped a memorable night for the potent owner-trainer-jockey combination of Godolphin, Charlie Appleby and William Buick who recorded a treble on the card.

As the eight runners swung into the homestretch, Buick was able to manoeuvre his mount into daylight and they broke clear with a winning run a furlong from home. 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. The Ballydoyle duo of Hunting Horn and Magic Wand were well back in fourth and fifth places. The time clocked for the mile and a half trip was the second fastest in the past decade, bettered only by Hawkbill last year.

For Old Persian it was his eighth career victory in 13 starts and his first at the highest level. Last year he won at Group 2 level at Royal Ascot and in the Great Voltigeur at York. Winning trainer Charlie Appleby was naturally delighted. “It has just been a fantastic night, and I’m so pleased for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the whole Godolphin team.

“They went a good sensible gallop and William made a sensible move turning for home to make his gap, allowing himself to get the run he needed. I knew the acceleration was there. He’s a class animal, a typical Dubawi who has made that great progression.”

William Buick was also full of praise for his mount. “I have to give credit to the horse - he finds his own passage and, from three to four, he’s really improved and he has a big turn of foot now. 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.”

Wayne Lordan said of Hunting Horn: “He jumped from the gates smart and got a good position, but it was a competitive event and my horse ran well.”

Ryan Moore was on board Magic Wand and said afterwards: “She ran okay. She was beaten by some good colts and hopefully she’ll improve for that.”