Beautiful Romance just denied in Dubai Gold Cup

Beautiful Romance was collared in the closing stages by Vazirabad who won by a neck in the two-mile G2 Dubai Gold Cup on turf at Meydan, UAE, on Dubai World Cup Night, Saturday, March 25.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained mare, stepping back up in trip following an impressive win over 14 furlongs in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy, broke smartly from stall 11 and was prominent, racing in third and then took second behind Big Orange after the first three furlongs.

The five-year-old daughter of New Approach moved to the front at the top of the straight and quickened smartly under Oisin Murphy, opening up a clear advantage over her 13 rivals with a furlong and a half to race.

Beautiful Romance continued to run on but could not hold the late thrust of Vazirabad, who scored in 3m 22.52s on ground described officially as yielding to gain a second Dubai Gold Cup following his 2016 success.

Sheikhzayedroad finished a length and a quarter back in third, with a further half-length to Big Orange in fourth. 

Oisin Murphy commented: “There are no excuses and Beautiful Romance has been beaten by Vazirabad, who was the best horse.

“She has run a career-best race so I cannot complain. I’m delighted to ride a horse as good as Beautiful Romance.

“I’m one of the youngest jockeys riding here so to get beat is hard to swallow but it’s great to be involved.”