Spirit Dancer is set for a grand appearance at the Dubai World Cup night following a triumphant display that brought further global acclaim to Sir Alex Ferguson in Saudi Arabia.
Trained by Richard Fahey, the seasoned seven-year-old delivered a memorable performance for the former Manchester United boss, Ged Mason, and Peter Done by clinching victory in the Bahrain International Trophy last November. He continued his winning streak in the Middle East by dominating the Neom Turf Cup.
Securing a hefty first prize of nearly £1 million by outclassing competitors like Aidan O’Brien’s Luxembourg in Riyadh, the offspring of Frankel is now geared up for action at Meydan on March 30 after a productive winter in Dubai. Fahey shared his enthusiasm, stating,
"He’s shown great progress over the winter and brought us immense joy. The entire experience has been exhilarating and highly rewarding. His recent form and contentment in Dubai indicate his readiness to compete at the highest echelons."
Reflecting on Spirit Dancer's recent triumph over an extended 10 furlongs, Fahey is confronted with a strategic choice for his next outing. The decision lies between stretching Spirit Dancer to a mile and a half for the first time in the Dubai Sheema Classic or reverting to nine furlongs for the Dubai Turf. Fahey deliberated,
"The choice between the nine-furlong race and the mile and a half is pending. I will assess his training and make a prompt decision as he has received an invitation. Considering the level of competition and the significant prize money at stake in Dubai, every race poses a challenge."
Fahey further expressed his inclination towards testing Spirit Dancer over a mile and a half, acknowledging the competitive field awaiting them in Dubai. He noted,
"The races carry substantial purses, and the quality of the competition is expectedly high. I will closely evaluate the entries for each race before confirming our participation. With no easy races in sight, the decision demands careful consideration. However, the allure of such prestigious events motivates us to aim for excellence on World Cup night."