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The Alain de Royer Dupre-trained Vazirabad entered the history books when becoming the first Thoroughbred ever to win on three Dubai World Cup nights.

The 6-year-old captured his third consecutive US $1 million Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors title when motoring down the Meydan straight to score by a length from the fast-finishing Sheikhzayedroad. Rare Rhythm finished third ahead of front-running Frontiersman.

Christophe Soumillon was in the saddle as they took the 3200m event in a new course record time of 3:17:92.

“How the race was run was perfect for him,” De Royer Dupre said. “I always said that we never had him better than today. He was so relaxed and calm before the race and the pace was very strong. And the more pace, the better for him. They went as fast as if they were going over a mile (1600m) and that really helped my confidence. He nearly came too early. There is no doubt that this is his best ever performance, but as I said, I am not surprised, he was so well in the run-up to the race. When you come every year to Dubai, you learn what to do. It is very hot and you have to adapt to that. We will now target the Ascot Gold Cup in June.”

It was a 14th lifetime win from 21 starts for the Aga Khan’s home-bred and the winning rider is hoping that Vazirabad continues to rewrite the record books.

“He was making history and I hope there is more to come in future and that we can be back next year for even more,” Soumillon said. “He’s a good horse. He got beat on his first run here, but Alain knows how to get him fit and he has done a great job. All the wins have been different but to do it three times is history.”

The order of finish was completed by Sheikhzayedroad, Rare Rhythm, Frontiersman, Gold Star, Red Galileo, Parviz, Prince Of Arran, Natural Scenery, Janszoon, Al Sahem, Big Orange, Run Time, Los Barbados, Dal Harraild and Torcedor.

Race Quotes:

Trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre (Vazirabad, 1st) – “I always said that we never had him better than today. He was so relaxed and calm before the race and the pace was very strong. And the more pace, the better for him. They went as fast as if they were going over a mile and that really

helped my confidence. He nearly came too early. There is no doubt that this is his best every performance, but as I said, I am not surprised, he was so well in the run-up to the race. When you come every year to Dubai, you learn what to do. It is very hot and you have to adapt to

that. We will now target the Ascot Gold Cup in June.”

Jockey Christophe Soumillon (Vazirabad, 1st) – “He’s a good horse. He got beat on his first run here, but Alain knows how to get him fit and he has done a great job. All the wins have been different but to do it three times is history. Hopefully there will be more in the future and he can be back again next year.”

Trainer David Simcock (Sheikhzayedroad, 2nd) – “He's evergreen and he was fresh in the paddock today. I was just delighted with him. To finish second, it was a better position than we could ever have imagined. The winner was very good. He's an exceptional stayer (Vazirabad) who has come out here to win it three times. We're happy to finish second.”

Trainer Charlie Appleby (Rare Rhythm, 3rd and Frontiersman, 4th) - “They have both run well and I am delighted, to be fair. James (Doyle) has gone a decent clip on Frontiersman and it has probably told over the last 200m. The winner is a good horse and Alain De Royer-Dupre knows how to get the job done! I thought Rare Rhythm got the trip well enough and hopefully that sets them both up for Cup races back in Europe this summer.”

Jockey Jim Crowley (Gold Star, 5th) – “I was delighted with his run, he gave me everything and it was a great effort for his first try at the distance.”

Jockey Gerald Mosse (Red Galileo, 6th) – “He ran really well, no complaints at all. He kept on galloping, but maybe he wants to come back a little in distance”

Jockey Oisin Murphy (Prince Of Arran, 8th) – “He ran a cracker. He ran way above his rating and full credit to everyone involved with him.”

Jockey Frankie Dettori (Big Orange,12th) – “I was never happy and was beaten 1000m out. There could be many reasons – the heat, his first race of the year, or the fact he had a little setback earlier in the week. But whatever it was, that wasn’t the Big Orange that I know.”

Jockey Ryan Moore (Dal Harraild, 15th) – “He had a nice position on the rail but didn’t quicken up.”

Jockey Colm O’Donoghue (Torcedor, 16th) – “He was under pressure a long way out. He didn’t have the ideal preparation with all the snow at home. I still feel he has a good season ahead of him.”