The Dubai World Cup meeting celebrates its historic 25th anniversary on March 27, with six Gr1 races and three Gr2s, including one of the world’s premier races, the $12 million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.
Today, we rewind to 2005 when Roses In May won the Dubai World Cup.
Roses In May seen here winning the Dubai World Cup in 2005 for American trainer Dale Romans and ridden by 2004 US Champion Jockey John Velazquez (Pic- Dubai racing Club)
The increase in quality at the second Dubai International Racing Carnival (now the Dubai World Cup Carnival) was no more evident than in the 10th running of the Dubai World Cup. Jack Sullivan (Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2, Burj Nahaar), Yard-Arm (Al Fahidi Fort), and Chiquitin (Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3) had all progressed through the Carnival ranks to the Dubai World Cup.
Meeting them was the usual strong contingent from America including the previous year’s UAE Derby winner Lundy’s Liability and Roses In May, whose only defeat during 2004 had come when second to Ghostzapper in the Breeders Cup Classic.
Dynever had proven to be one of America’s leading race horses but would represent Saudi Arabia on World Cup night having being purchased by local interests after finishing second to King’s Boy in the King’s Cup over 3,400m. King’s Boy had returned for the third time while the Japanese presence was made up of the high-class dirt performer Adjudi Mitsuo.
For the first time in the 10-year history of the race, Godolphin, and its stable rider Frankie Dettori, would be without a runner following the withdrawal of Grand Hombre on the eve of the race.
The host nation would still have a presence through Ruler’s Court, a former high class two-year old in America with a 14 length win in the Gr2 Norfolk Stakes amongst his successes, and Elmustanser, second to Chiquitin in the third round of the Al Maktoum Challenge.
It was Roses In May however that impressed all on his arrival and his work leading into the event justified favouritism. The starring, dominating role played by Roses In May belied what appeared, on paper, an evenly matched field. The almost black horse was allowed to settle in fifth place by his jockey John Velazquez, the horse enjoying the early speed set by Yard-Arm, Chiquitin and Elmustanser.
However, shortly before the home turn, Velazquez decided to take the race to his opponents and Roses In May launched his bid. Whilst clear turning for home, the 600m straight would not be something the horse was used to after the tight turning American tracks. The question was, would he hold on? Chocktaw Nation was the first to issue a challenge, however Roses In May defied it and the long Nad Al Sheba straight proved a benefit rather than a hindrance as he asserted his superiority with every stride.
Dynever came from near last to make up good ground to be second, however he was never a match for Roses In May, whose official margin was three lengths. Chocktaw Nation held on gamely for third while Jack Sullivan ran the race of his life in finishing fourth, just ahead of Congrats and Adjudi Mitsuo.
After the race, Roses In May’s trainer – Dale Romans – described his confidence going into the event and explained the tactics of Velazquez in going earlier than usual: “I thought the only way we could get beaten was if we had some bad luck, I wanted to take the race to them, I knew he had the stamina and that no one else could catch him.”
Roses In May’s retirement was announced shortly after his return to America, going on to assume stallion duties in Japan in 2006
Watch Roses In May win the Dubai World Cup in 2005:
