Darley stallions dominate in G2 Dubai Gold Cup

Manduro’s superb son Vazirabad records his eighth Group win, leading home Beautiful Romance (New Approach) and Sheikhzayedroad (Dubawi)

Vazirabad (Manduro) has been a wonderfully consistent campaigner, finishing in the first two in 13 of his 15 starts and on Dubai World Cup night, he added an eighth Group victory to his record when sweeping home to take the G2 Dubai Gold Cup.

Settled in his customary position at the rear of the field, Vazirabad was content to let Big Orange dictate the early pace, just ahead of Beautiful Romance (New Approach). As the field began to quicken for home, Godolphin’s Beautiful Romance took up the running and soon moved clear, only to be caught close to the line by Vazirabad who won by a neck.

Dubawi’s son Sheikhzayedroad put up another great performance to finish third – taking his earnings past the £1,000,000 mark – the 11th runner by Dubawi to do so.

Vazirabad has now won more Group races in Europe and the UAE since 2015 than any other horse – victories that include consecutive wins in the G1 Prix Royal-Oak.

Owned and bred by HH The Aga Khan, Vazirabad is out of the G3-winning Linamix mare Visorama, a half-sister to G1-winner Varenar.

He is one of six G1 winners for Manduro, also sire of Prix Jean Luc Lagardere victor Ultra and Prix Jean Romanet heroine Ribbons.

Manduro stands at Haras du Logis in France at a fee of €7,000 October 1st SLF.