Well Armed rocks Dubai

Since its inauguration in 1996, the Dubai World Cup has become a prestigious international horse racing event that is held at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse every year. It is a Group 1 event for thoroughbred horses four years and older and after 2004, it became one of the richest races in the world, with a purse of US$6 million. This year, the race took place on Saturday, 28 March 2009, and a magnificent six year old by the name of Well Armed, added his name to list of winners of the Dubai World Cup.

The race on Saturday was very significant, as it was the last time the Dubai World Cup would be held at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, as the event has been moved to the Meydan racing complex from next year. For winning jockey Aaron Gryder, the victory was overwhelming, and his joy was shared with proud trainer, Eoin Harty. He commented that after the serious injuries suffered by Well Armed almost two years ago, and nearly being put down, it was a proud moment to see him win this spectacular horse racing event.

Well Armed was so dominating in the race, that Gryder began to pat the geldings neck in appreciation even before they crossed the finish line; as they set a new winning record, by completing the race a staggering fourteen lengths in front of his thirteen other competitors. He took the lead from the starting gates and did not look back. Gloria de Campeao finished in second position, while Paris Perfect settled for third. Asiatic Boy gave an unfortunate disappointing performance, finishing in twelfth position, after finishing in second position in last years’ event.

Now, after winning the Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup, Well Armed has most certainly showed his worth on Saturday, and proved to the entire horse racing community that he is a horse that should not be underestimated. Well Armed’s next racing start has not yet been released by his trainer, but if his momentum gaining performances are anything to go by, his coming racing events will be nothing short of spectacular.