Dubai Future Overcomes Fragility to Land the Dubai Gold Cup

Brazilian Jockey Silvestre de Sousa Guides Godolphin Stayer to Another Dubai World Cup Night Win for Saeed bin Suroor

Silvestre de Sousa Delighted with Another Major Win / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (From a Turf Diario special correspondent).— On a night that rekindled memories of Godolphin’s golden era, Saeed bin Suroor returned to the spotlight with a rousing win from Dubai Future in the Dubai Gold Cup (G2, 3200m, turf), one of the most grueling staying events in global racing.

With his string now a far cry from the powerhouse of old, the veteran trainer proved once again that class and patience never go out of style. His 9-year-old charge, a horse that has overcome numerous physical setbacks throughout his career, surged late to secure a memorable win, evoking shades of a bygone dominance led by the likes of Dubai Millennium (Machiavellian).

Expertly guided by Silvestre de Sousa, Dubai Future was making just his second start in 14 months after capturing the Nad Al Sheba Trophy (G3). Despite a slow early pace that might have played against him, the Dubawi gelding settled kindly through the opening mile and unleashed a powerful finishing kick on the outside to decisively defeat Double Major (Daiwa Major) and Epic Poet (Lope de Vega), who rounded out the trifecta.

“Saeed had him spot-on,” said De Sousa, who previously captured the Dubai Turf in 2013 and the Dubai World Cup a year later. “After the last race, I told him the horse had barely done anything—he was fresh and needed that run. My main goal today was just to keep him relaxed, and I had him exactly where I wanted through the early going. He did the rest. I’m thrilled for Sheikh Mohammed and grateful to be aboard.”

An emotional Bin Suroor added: “He’s really improved this year, even at nine. He came to Dubai a month ago, and I know how to handle him. I told Silvestre to keep him relaxed—that was key. He’s always been a horse for 2000 to 2400 meters, but we stretched him to 2800 and now 3200, and he’s answered every call. I’m so happy.”

More than just a race won, Dubai Future’s performance was a testament to the enduring instincts of a master horseman who, even with fewer bullets in the chamber, continues to find ways to fire at the highest level.