The Dream of Chilean Jockey Carlos López with Queen Azteca in the UAE Derby

Based in Scandinavia, aims for a big upset against the boys at next week’s Dubai World Cup night

Carlos López Triumphs with Queen Azteca in the UAE Oaks at Meydan / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (DWC Media Team) – It’s hard to overstate the impact of Queen Azteca’s victory in the UAE Oaks (G3) at Meydan for jockey Carlos López.

While the race may have been a G3, its significance was monumental both for the Chilean-born rider and his adopted home of Scandinavia’s racing community. With nine Derbys to his name and, by his own admission, “all the major Scandinavian races,” López reached a career pinnacle when, on February 21, his filly ran down the front-running Arigatou Gozaimasu (Honest Mischief) in the final strides to win by three-quarters of a length.

“It was incredible, emotional,” says the 43-year-old jockey, who has been based in Denmark since 2000. “When the leader pulled clear around the turn, I thought I wasn’t going to catch her, but my filly was very brave and managed to reel her in at the wire.”

“The Oaks is my biggest win. I’ve also won a G3 in Germany, but this victory is very special to me, I carry it in my heart.”

On Queen Azteca, who was purchased by her trainer Niels Petersen and Edgar Byrne at the Tattersalls Guineas Salefor just 30,000 guineas, López adds, “Normally, she is very calm, but she’s a fighter and has a lot of character. When she gets mad, she really gets mad!”

That fighting spirit, and much more, will be needed when the filly faces the boys in the UAE Derby (G2), sponsored by Jumeirah, on Saturday, April 5, during the spectacular Dubai World Cup (G1) night. She will be the only Scandinavian representative on the card, and it will also mark López’s debut on such a momentous occasion.

“This is my first time at the Dubai World Cup meeting, so I’m very excited,” the jockey admits. “I have a very good filly, and there will be a strong pace, which will suit her because she never gives up. I think we’ll see her even better this time.”

And he concludes, “I think all of Scandinavia is eagerly awaiting this day.”

Carlos López will be one of the South Americans in action, and from that part of the world, there will be just as much support, eagerly hoping to see him triumph, as in Scandinavia.