Cityscape storms to victory in Dubai Duty Free at Meydan
Cityscape takes jockey, James Doyle to his Grade 1 maiden success, as he clinched a comprehensive triumph in the Dubai Duty Free, held at Meydan, on Saturday, March 31.
Doyle was jubilant to register his first win at the highest level of the sport, supplemented by one of the most prestigious global horse racing events.
He was given the prestigious ride after regular rider, Steve Drowne, was declared unfit earlier this week.
Doyle made the best use of the opportunity and ran his horse to an easy 4¼-length victory.
In the early hours, Roger Charlton’s trainee was unable to gain a decent lead. However, he did not lose his determination and kept running furiously.
The things turned out well for him, as his consistent run helped him accomplish a reasonable advantage a few furlongs ahead of the finish line.
After establishing his dominance, the six-year-old made no mistake, keeping an upper hand till the finish.
Following a brilliant job all the way through, Cityscape comfortably secured top spot, collecting a prize money of £1,935,483.87.
"It's his first time over a furlong further but he's got a turn of foot and he stays well so I'm not surprised. It's without doubt the biggest day of my life," said Doyle.
The trainer, Charlton added:
"The horse has been really consistent and has been training really well. He had a good preparation at home and he's come out here and not lost any weight. I thought it was the most competitive race on the card and I didn't think he'd break the track record and win by four and a quarter lengths."
While Cityscape was in nobody’s reach, the spectators saw an electrifying contest between Mutahadee and City Style. After a nerve-wracking clash, Mutahadee managed to secure runner-up position by a head distance.
Although he was not able to do some damage in the beginning, his fantastic work later in the race was enough to earn him the second spot on the chart. Consequently, he pocked £645,161.29, the winning prize for the runner-up.
City Style was a bit unlucky to finish third in the list. Wigmore Hall seized fourth position by a neck distance, whereas Xtension completed the order of top five.
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