Honourable third for Nations Pride in G1 Dubai Turf

Nations Pride lost little in defeat with a valiant third behind the record-breaking Lord North in the G1 Dubai Turf on Dubai World Cup Night, Saturday, 25 March.

Successful on both his previous starts at Meydan, the Charlie Appleby-trained Nations Pride was prominent throughout and tacked over from a wide draw to race in second on the outside of El Drama.

The Teofilo colt closed in on the lead in the straight, taking up the running a furlong and a half out, with Lord North also making smooth progress to mount his challenge.

Nations Pride rallied in front for William Buick but could not go with Lord North inside the final half-furlong and was passed for second on the line by the flashing home Danon Beluga.

Godolphin-bred Lord North created history by becoming the first three-time winner of the Dubai Turf, hitting the line three-quarters of a length clear of Danon Beluga, with a further head back to Nations Pride.

Charlie Appleby said: “Nations Pride has run a solid race. He had to work harder from that draw, which probably cost us second. We wouldn’t have beaten the winner but hopefully our horse is going to have a nice summer internationally over 10 furlongs."

William Buick added: “Lord North has won the race three times now, so all credit to him. We were drawn 14 of 14, so it was never going to be easy, but I am delighted with Nations Pride. I think he’s a decent horse and he has run a good race."