Laurel River wins $12m Dubai World Cup by record 8 1/2 lengths

Laurel River’s jockey Tadhg O’Shea lifts the trophy after winning Group 1 Dubai World Cup over 2000m (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, on Mar. 30, 2024. (AP)

• Laurel River and jockey Tadhg O’Shea surged into the lead at the midway point of the 1 1/4-mile race
• He broke the old winning margin of six lengths set by Dubai Millennium in 2000

DUBAI: Laurel River rallied to win the $12 million Dubai World Cup by a record-setting 8 1/2 lengths on Saturday at Meydan Racecourse.
Breaking from the far outside post in the field of 12, Laurel River and jockey Tadhg O’Shea surged into the lead at the midway point of the 1 1/4-mile race. Laurel River broke the old winning margin of six lengths set by Dubai Millennium in 2000 at Nad al Sheba. He covered the distance in 2:21.31 and paid $20.70.
“I’m still coming to terms with what’s happened. I think it’ll probably sink in in another day or two,” trainer Bhupat Seemar said. “It’s absolutely amazing.”
Laurel River was previously trained by Bob Baffert until owner Juddmonte Farms transferred the 6-year-old from the US to Dubai-based trainer Seemar last summer.
Defending champion Ushba Tesoro finished second and earned $2.4 million. Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador from the US was third and earned $1.2 million.
Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up Derma Sotogake finished sixth. Defunded was seventh. Newgate, trained by Baffert, was ninth. “My horse ran flat,” jockey Frankie Dettori said.