Dubai: Regal Ransom maintained a proud Godolphin tradition when winning a thrilling renewal of the $2million UAE Derby (Group 2) from stable companion Desert Party at Nad Al Sheba yesterday, and earned him a vote for the American Triple Crown series.
The son of Distorted Humor, who was ridden with some confidence by Peruvian jockey Alan Garcia, always held the upper hand over Desert Party to supply the stable with their sixth success in the Classic since it was first run in 2000.
Given his head, he went past front runner So Shiny from Saudi Arabia at the 400 metre marker, and despite being seriously tested by his stable mate, ridden vigourously by Frankie Dettori, he comfortably held off the challenge.
Garcia, who was resuming his parternership with Regal Ransom after riding him to win his Maiden in Saratoga, was over the moon with his first win in Dubai.
"This feels awesome. I'm so happy to have been given this opportunity to ride this horse and am so happy to have beaten Frankie Dettori," he said. "Frankie was the favourite, but he wasn't firing; you beat him when you can and I just let him go.
"I'm so excited I felt I knew the horse and tried to keep pace with him and he never stopped."
Saeed Bin Surour, who trains both Regal Ransom and Desert Party at the stable's winter base at Al Quoz, was clearly experiencing some mixed emotions on the night and said: " I had always said that this horse (Regal Party) would spring a surprise."
"But Desert Party has won his last two races here in Dubai and has put in a good amount of work and there was no excuse for him,"
Saturday's race was a seen as a big test for Desert Party, who Godolphin were hoping could create a good impression to confirm himself as a Kentucky Derby hopeful following his back-to-back wins in the Carnival including the UAE 2,000 Guineas on February 12.
Godolphin Racing Manager Simon Crisford was sympathetic to Desert Party and said " Honestly, this result was a surprise to us. Desert Party did not pick up when Frankie asked him to, but these are no excuses. Both are top-class colts.
"In fact, things have eased up for us now as we have two contenders for the Kentucky Derby. Maybe we will send one of them to the Preakness, but this result sort of opens out our options.
"We will have to sit down tomorrow (Sunday) and decide what we need to do for either of them. Really, there is not much difference between the two."
Godolphin wins
Godolphin's previous wins in the UAE Derby came with Discreet Cat in 2006, Blues And Royal (2005), essence of Dubai (2002), Express Tour (2001), China Visit (2000).
