Dubai World Cup 2024: Laurel River takes home $12m prize

Laurel River along with jockey Tadhg O’Shea surged to victory in the $12m Dubai World Cup, setting a new record with a winning margin of 8 1/2 lengths. The electrifying race unfolded at the Meydan Racecourse on Saturday, March 30.

Breaking from the far outside post in a field of 12 contenders, Laurel River, piloted by jockey Tadhg O’Shea, wasted no time in asserting dominance. Taking command at the midway point of the 1 1/4-mile race, Laurel River stormed towards the finish line, eclipsing the previous winning margin record set by Dubai Millennium in 2000.

The clock stopped at an impressive 2:21.31, and punters rejoiced as Laurel River paid out at $20.70.

🗣️ “I have to pinch myself.”@OsheaTadhg can barely comprehend what has happened after Laurel River produces one of the great Dubai World Cup performances ⭐️@BhupatSeemar | @JuddmonteFarms | @emirates #DWC24 pic.twitter.com/eOsagF9bcX

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 30, 2024

Trainer’s delight

Trainer Bhupat Seemar rejoiced at making history, “I’m still coming to terms with what’s happened. I think it’ll probably sink in in another day or two,” said Seemar. The victory held special significance for Seemar, who had taken over training Laurel River from renowned U.S. trainer Bob Baffert last summer.

Rivals left in dust

While Laurel River’s triumph stole the spotlight, defending champion Ushba Tesoro settled for second place, earning $2.4m, followed by Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador from the US in third, taking home $1.2m.

Laurel River takes the Dubai World Cup (G1)!

pic.twitter.com/vvKLLt2LxV

— IFHA’s Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings (@worldsbesthorse) March 30, 2024

Notable contenders such as Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up Derma Sotogake and Defunded faced disappointment as they finished further down the pack.

Double win

Seemar and O’Shea’s triumph extended beyond the Dubai World Cup, as they clinched another victory earlier in the evening with Tuz in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, replicating their success with Switzerland in 2022.

Championship aspirations

The win propelled O’Shea to 49 victories in the UAE jockey’s championship, placing him seven points ahead of his closest competitor, Connor Beasley, with two meetings remaining.

Meanwhile, Seemar finds himself locked in a battle for the trainer’s championship title with Michael Costa, both boasting 36 winners apiece.

With the season’s conclusion looming, Seemar holds the advantage in second and third-place finishes, positioning himself for a potential second trainer’s title in a nail-biting finale.

Dubai World Cup Closing ceremony

#DubaiWorldCup 2024 culminates in a stunning finale with a dazzling light show and fireworks, leaving everyone in awe! #DWC2024 #DWC #Dubai #DubaiOneTv #Horseracing pic.twitter.com/FTQ0BCHKrM

— Dubai One (@DubaiOneTV) March 30, 2024

Read: Dubai World Cup 2024: Watch live stream from Meydan Racecourse