Dubai: It was a masterclass ride from William Buick on a complicated horse Jack Hobbs, trained by John Gosden, to win the $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic over 2410m on Turf on Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.
This was the second win for both jockey and trainer at the Sheema Classic. The duo had previously won on Dar Re Mi in 2010.
The 2015 Irish derby winner Jack Hobbs was bidding for his first victory since September of that year.
He picked up an injury last April and did not reappear until October, finishing a fair third in the Champion Stakes.
However, Jack Hobbs racing in the blue of Godolphin, lived up to his early promise when it mattered most. Buick placed Jack Hobbs behind Highland Reel ridden by Ryan Moore and favourite Postponed, ridden by Andrea Atzeni, in the early stages of the race. He then travelled powerfully throughout and won the race quite comfortably in the end.
Seventh Heaven ridden by Seamie Heffernan came through for second, two and quarter lengths ahead of Postponed, who found nothing off the bridle for Atzeni and had to be content with third spot.
Saeed Bin Surour’s Prize Money, ridden by Adrie De Vries, was fourth, another four lengths behind.
“We had a quiet year last year but his form from Ascot was rock solid. William, as he did with Dar Re Mi, didn’t go straight away. He waited, waited, waited. He’s been so long off from racing but I just needed him to focus. This is great. It’s a family horse with all the children here and all of Rachel’s (wife) great friends over here too. It’s a dream come true,” said an elated Gosden, who added his horse was “a dreamer”.
Buick, who was overjoyed by the success, said the race was a tough one and he was tremendously relieved to have come out of it victorious.
“Not easy ... blinkers first time and quite a gusty wind — myself and Postponed were racing together, but he’s won very well and he’s a classy horse. The blinkers have helped him a little bit. This night is horse racing’s Olympics and when you are wearing the royal blue you have to step up your game,” said Buick.
