Dubai Future continues to defy years with G3 Henry II Stakes victory

Dubai Future became Godolphin’s oldest ever winner and secured his Gold Cup place with a superb display in the G3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown Park, UK, on Thursday, 28 May. 

The son of Dubawi had already enjoyed a storied career for Saeed bin Suroor, with three previous Group-race victories including last year’s G2 Dubai Gold Cup, and was making the third appearance of his 10-year-old campaign. 

Held up in fifth the seven runners initially, David Probert rushed up around runners on the Godolphin veteran leaving the back straight to press the front-running Furthur. 

Dubai Future cruised into the lead over three furlongs out and bounded clear of the field passing the two-furlong pole. Sweet William closed late but never looked likely to catch Dubai Future, who held on by a neck for a famous win. 

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Dubai Future had a break after Dubai, so he went to Ascot last time [for the G3 Sagaro Stakes] 80-85 per cent ready and we thought he would improve for the race. 

“He came out of it really well and this looked the right race for him. I said to David not to rush him early, because it is a two-mile race, and to give him a chance on the outside. 

“The horse is doing well, even though he is a 10-year-old. In the past, we have had the likes of African Story and Prince Bishop who were G1 winners as eight-year-olds. 

“The target for Dubai Future will be the Gold Cup. I think his best trip is two miles, although he finished third over the two and a half miles there last year. At his age, he is still tough and strong, and we want to give him a chance at a big meeting.” 

David Probert said: “Dubai Future likes to follow horses, so early on we wanted a bit of cover. I allowed Sweet William and Robert Havlin to go ahead of me, but then I felt we were going steadier and steadier. 

“The last day at Ascot, he probably got done for a bit of speed between the four and the three, so I wanted to have that move covered. He is a warrior this horse, owes us nothing and wears his heart on his sleeve.”