DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Magnitude triumphed over the favored Forever Young to win the 30th Dubai Gold Cup on Saturday. This race marked the first major outdoor sporting event in the United Arab Emirates since the onset of the Iran War.
The 4-year-old American thoroughbred, ridden by Jose Ortiz and trained by Steve Asmussen, secured the nearly $7 million first prize after a strong performance against Japan’s Forever Young, ridden by Ryusei Sakai.
Race Details
Jose Ortiz reflected on the race, stating, “When I looked to my side passing the 600 meters I saw Forever Young and I knew it was time to go. I knew Forever Young was going to be the horse to beat so I asked (Magnitude) to run and he was there for me.”
He further acknowledged the competition, saying, “We knew we had a very good horse but obviously Forever Young was the best horse in the world and we had to respect that. But we knew we had a good enough horse to win the race and he showed up today.”
Race Outcome
Meydaan finished in third place, followed by Imperial Emperor, both of which are Irish horses. The race featured a total prize pool of €12 million for the nine-horse competition.
This victory marks Asmussen’s second win in the Dubai Gold Cup, following Curlin’s success in 2008. He has also secured two Preakness wins and one Belmont victory.
Context of the Event
Magnitude took an early lead, maintaining a position close to the rail. The Not This Time stallion led by about a length from Forever Young until the final turn, where he extended his advantage.
Forever Young, the previous year’s Japan Horse of the Year, finished strongly, narrowing the gap to a length at the finish line.
The race proceeded despite the cancellation of other significant sporting events in the region following the U.S. and Israel’s military actions against Iran that began on February 28. Events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and a soccer match known as the Finalissima were all called off.