Real World storms to victory in Royal Hunt Cup

Real World turned one of the most competitive heritage handicaps at Royal Ascot into a procession with an exhilarating performance in the Royal Hunt Cup on Wednesday, 16 June.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained four-year-old, encountering turf for the first time having raced on the all-weather in the UK and on dirt in Dubai, tracked Eastern World on the far rail as the 30 runners split into two groups over the straight mile.

Real World took up the running on his side two and a half furlongs from home and readily opened up a commanding advantage over his group. The Dark Angel homebred galloped out relentlessly under Marco Ghiani to beat his nearest pursuer on the stands’ rail, Astro King, by nearly five lengths.

Saeed bin Suroor said: "Real World is a good horse. This year, he has been showing that he is a nice type and he has just come right. Two days ago, I said to Marco Ghiani to ride the horse and that, to be famous and for the world to watch you, you have to win this race at Royal Ascot. I am very happy for him.

“This was Real World's first run on turf and, even with the fast ground, he handled it well. He is a horse with Group class. I think there is a Listed race that we could target.

“Every race is big at Royal Ascot, even the handicaps, so it is great to have a winner.”

Marco Ghiani said: “Real World usually misses the break, so we had the blindfold and went in a bit late. It definitely works because he jumped well and I just managed to stay next to William Buick on Eastern World.

“Real World was travelling really nicely - at halfway, he was on the bridle and I thought we would have a chance, but I didn’t know he’d win that easily. He quickened away and just in the last furlong was looking at the crowd. He’s an improving horse and I think still a bit of a baby, but he will get better.”