Shea Shea proved himself one of the world’s emerging sprinters with a dominant performance in winning the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1000m) at Meydan, smashing his own track record in the process.
The Mike de Kock-trained galloper came down the centre of the track and proved too strong for the two Hong Kong representatives, Joy and Fun and Eagle Regiment.
The veteran Joy and Fun is now likely to be retired after adding a second placing in the Al Quoz Sprint to his win in 2010 and his third to Ortensia last year.
And Eagle Regiment had to pass a veterinary clearance this morning before being allowed to take his place in the lineup.
Nevertheless, all eyes were on Shea Shea.
The South African six year old had only raced in his home country until late January, when he made his first appearance at Meydan.
That day, he finished five lengths behind Medicean Man, who finished in his wake today.
However, at his next start, he managed to win a Listed race down the straight, the same course and distance as today, stamping himself as favourite for the Al Quoz.
“Coming here is not easy,” de Kock told the international media contingent following the race.
“The horses do better the longer they are here and horses like him are geared for these type of races.”
Like his stablemate Soft Falling Rain, who won the Group 2 Godolphin Mile (1600m) earlier on the card, de Kock is now looking to Europe with Shea Shea.
“He will now go to Royal Ascot for the King’s Stand Stakes,” he said.
That sets up a potential clash with Black Caviar, who is likely to have her final race start in that race.
An hour later, Reynaldothewizard chalked one up for the local gallopers with a narrow victory in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m), the all weather sprint on the card.
Reynaldothewizard held on to defeat Balmont Mast with last year’s winner Krypton Factor third.
Trained by Satish Seemar, an Indian trainer who has been based in Dubai since 1990, Reynaldothewizard had been racing in good form over the carnival.
He proved the benefit of form throughout the Dubai World Cup Carnival, having won the primary lead up two weeks ago.
There was an interesting postscript with jockey Richard Mullen declaring he would relocate permanently to Dubai, turning his back on a successful career in the United Kingdom.
“Dubai has given me my best moments in racing but this tops the lot, I’m overjoyed,” Mullen said.
“I do the easy work. I just sit on board and steer and I’m so happy to win a Group 1 on the biggest stage in racing.”
Australian export Mental, who started favourite in most markets worldwide, never looked likely and finished a disappointing 10th.
