Dubai: Dubai Racing Club CEO Frank Gabriel Jr said it was a bitter disappointment to see Bold Silvano, one of the big favourites for Saturday's Dubai World Cup (Group 1), forced out of the race due to injury, but stressed that it will not take the edge off the $10 million (Dh36.78 million) contest.
A top-class runner in his native South Africa, Bold Silvano's running battle against injury took a turn for the worse yesterday when he pulled out sore following a smart workout on Sunday. Prior to this, he had missed his intended prep race as a result of a bruised foot, but was reported to have made a full recovery. However, yesterday's setback has dealt him a cruel, final blow.
"Obviously it is very disappointing to see any horse pull out of a race, particularly if he is of Bold Silvano's calibre," Gabriel told Gulf News. "It must have been devastating for both Mike de Kock and his connections, and we're really sorry this has happened.
Turn around
"We hope that the horse will be okay and everything will turn around. However, Mike still has two strong runners in the race - Musir and Golden Sword - and we would like to wish him luck for Saturday."
De Kock could not be contacted yesterday but told the Racing Post: "He worked very well yesterday [Sunday] but seems to have tweaked or pulled something. We cannot actually put our finger on it immediately but it is enough to rule him out. It is a great shame as he is a genuine World Cup horse. It has not been easy with him this season but we will be back next year."
"At least we have a back up and Golden Sword will now get to take his chance in the World Cup. It was a shame he did not get in originally so at least he gets his chance in the highest grade on a surface he clearly loves."
Bold Silvano stormed into early favouritism for the World Cup when cruising to victory in round two of the Maktoum Challenge in February. England's Twice Over is the current 3/1 favourite ahead of the 5/1 Irish hope Cape Blanco.
