In a scintillating display of speed and tactical prowess at Meydan on Saturday, Tower Of London – under the supreme guidance of Ryan Moore – triumphed in the $1,000,000 Gr2 Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors.
However, the race was not devoid of pre-race drama as dual St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov was sensationally withdrawn at the gates on veterinary advice, much to the dismay of connections and spectators alike.
Ryan Moore steers Tower Of London to an eyecatching victory (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Facing a slowly run affair, Libyan Glass dictated the pace on the far side while Kieran Shoemark on Trawlerman opted for a solitary trip in the middle of the track.
With pace at a premium, jockeys maintained a strategic, collective silence until the pivotal home stretch when Siskany, a specialist on the course, initiated the first move – only to falter in sustaining the momentum.
As they headed for the final two furlongs, Al Nayyir made giant strides to threaten the favourites before Tower Of London, racing right out in the centre of the track, showcased an astonishing burst of acceleration. He raced past his rivals to score by two lengths going away.
Enjoy the replay:
Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “You would have to be very impressed with that. He has become a very classy horse. He is very pacey. He quickens so well. Ryan said there wasn’t much pace on, but he was happy to wait with him like he did in Saudi last month. He settles well, then quickens. And he loves that fast ground on a flat track. I am not sure what the plan will be for him. I don’t know if he would get the trip in an Ascot Gold Cup. He might, though. Ryan said he could drop back to a mile and a half, too, so we have options with him. Races like the Coronation Cup or the Hardwicke Stakes we could think about. Ryan was very confident beforehand. We felt him and Auguste Rodin were our best chances of the day and it is great to start with a win.”
