Trackside With Liesl King

“A TALE OF TWO CHESTNUTS

“Fame is a fickle food upon a shifting plate,” wrote American poet Emily Dickinson, and Friday’s trackwork session was a timely reminder of just how fleeting fame can be. For on the track were two bright chestnuts, both with blazes, their coats a burnished copper in the early morning sun. Both were World Cup contenders– one caused a media storm upon his arrival, while the second was hardly noticed at all. You see, the second chestnut is decked out in the red livery of the Dubai Racing Club, complete with western saddle. Nowdays, his name and his exploits in these parts are long forgotten. After all, as lead horse, he is merely there to escort fractious and unruly youngsters safely around the Meydan track. Yet once upon a time, he was the center of attention. A contender in the richest race of all, for the chestnut with gentle eyes and the wide blaze, begging for polos, is none other than Lucky Find (SAf), a runner in the 2008 Dubai World Cup. 

For Lucky Find, fame was fleeting, yet he was on hand to cast his wise old eyes over the new kid on the block, as the other chestnut, G1 Investec Derby winner Ruler of the World (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), arrived in style, leading the O’Brien string onto the Tapeta track. A more aptly named horse would surely be hard to find. The chestnut, who a year ago had not even set foot on a racecourse, strode onto the track as if he owned it, supremely confident and certainly not in need of Lucky Find’s services. As famous as he is beautiful, Ruler of the World seemed unaware of the media frenzy that his arrival had caused. For here was the horse they had all been waiting for. 

With Joseph O’Brien in the saddle, he led the string clockwise around the track at a walk and trot, before turning round and gracing his waiting fans with a steady canter, ears pricked. The junior O’Brien confirmed that the laidback colt had travelled like a professional, eaten like a horse and generally was just taking things in his stride. He seemed at ease on the Tapeta, and Joseph appeared confident that the artificial surface should not be a problem, but admitted that it was impossible to be certain until the colt actually races on it. His task is certainly made easier by the “uncomplicated” colt, who won the Derby on only his third start. 

Ruler of the World, the ruling favorite, jumps from barrier 12 and while the draw could have been more favorable, it is the same barrier from which Animal Kingdom won the World Cup in 2013. Of the rest of O’Brien’s string, Ernest Hemingway (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Giovanni Boldini (War Front) impressed most. Ernest Hemingway seemed to float over the surface with a lovely elastic stride and should give a good account of himself in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup. 

Giovanni Boldini, runner up in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf last year, was a ball of energy, bouncing around and looking the picture of rude health, without the merest hint of sweat. Here was a horse that knew what he was here for and just wanted to get on with the job. Despite only being allowed a steady hack, he stretched out beautifully alongside stable companion Festive Cheer (Fr) (Montjeu {Ire}). Aidan O’Brien may only ship in at the last minute, without the benefit of a prep run, but he seldom fails to go home without one of the trophies, and you ignore his runners at your peril. 

Also out during the rush hour when the track resembles a busy train station was German entrant Empoli (Ger) (Halling), trained by Peter Schiergen. The colt has had a troubled stay in Dubai and was scratched twice at the gate for refusing to load. In his only start in the Listed Dubai Millennium S., he finished a creditable second behind Tasaday (Nayef) and hence lines up in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic. Schiergen is completely baffled by the loading problems, as the colt has been a model of consistency at home. Empoli’s work Friday morning was impressive and he caught the eye as he did an easy half-pace around the track. Schiergen has done several schooling sessions with his charge in the gates and hopefully Empoli agrees to join his fellow runners in the starting stalls come raceday. 

Last but certainly not least to catch the eye was the Roger Varian trained Ambivalent (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}). The filly came out full of fire and her workrider had his hands full as she insisted on cantering down the chute to the track proper. Varian explained that she is a quirky sort with loads of excitable energy. Yet he was quick to point out that her antics are best ignored, as she is one of those rare horses that can be quite fractious and still perform. 

Finally, trackwork at Meydan came to an end for the last time. The runners returned to their stables, and Lucky Find, having already eaten half a roll of polos, begged for one last one, before sauntering off, as the sun rose over Meydan.