In the Group 1 $12 million Dubai World Cup, Laurel River delivered a dominant performance, winning by an impressive 8 1/2 lengths. With jockey Tadhg O’Shea aboard, the 6-year-old son of Into Mischief broke from the outside post and quickly took the lead as they approached the first turn. By the far turn, Laurel River had pulled away from the competition and extended his lead to as many as 10 lengths in the final stretch of the 1 1/4-mile race.
Laurel River, trained by Bob Baffert, had a successful record of 4 wins out of 7 starts before being transferred to trainer Bhupat Seemar. After winning the 2022 Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2) in August, Laurel River took a break from racing before returning in January at Meydan, where he finished seventh in the Al Shindagha Sprint (Gr. 3). Following a victory in the Burj Nahaar on March 2, Laurel River secured a memorable win in the Dubai World Cup.
Ushba Tesoro claimed second place in the race, while Señor Buscador, the Saudi Cup (G1) winner, finished third. Following Laurel River’s impressive victory, Seemar expressed his joy at training a Dubai World Cup-winning horse, emphasizing how much it meant to him after 21 years in the industry. The victory was particularly special as Laurel River, a Juddmonte homebred, paid $20.70 to win in the World Pool
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