Imperial Emperor (pictured) went one place better than 12 months ago and earned automatic Dubai World Cup entry when winning the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge – the feature race on Fashion Friday at Meydan Racecourse.
It was a brilliant night for trainer Bhupat Seemar and this was the highlight of his four wins. Ridden by Richie Mullen, the six-year-old tracked the pace set by Masmak and hit the front at the 600metre marker, staying on powerfully and holding off Tumbarumba by one and half lengths. Heart Of Honor closed for a distant third.
“I’m ecstatic! Actually, I don’t know how I’m feeling – what a horse!” said Ryan Tongue, Director of owners Deva Racing. “This syndicate is Dubai, we love Dubai and to have another chance in the Dubai World Cup is a dream.
“I turned down the Saudi Cup invitation, which was a big thing, but we want to try and win the Dubai World Cup.”
Mullen, who only returned from a serious injury at the start of the season, added: “He’s very straightforward and gets himself in a great spot. I wanted to be positive with him and he traveled like a dream and when I saw Bernardo [Pinheiro, on Masmak] dropping away I thought “I have to go,” and he put the race to bed in a matter of strides.
“Tadhg [O’Shea, Seemar’s stable jockey] beat me in the race last year and I’m just keeping the saddle warm. It’s his horse, but if he doesn’t mind handing him to me again I won’t mind!”
Interview with Jockey Richard Mullen of Imperial Emperor:
About The Author
