By Sam Turner -
Meeting up with man-of-the-moment Bhupat Seemar on Monday morning, one is left with the distinct impression he is still coming to terms with the magnificent events of Saturday evening. A magical Meydan occasion concluded with fireworks on the track from Laurel River in the Dubai World Cup before 4000 drones took to the skies to illuminate the Dubai night. Seemar could well have accompanied them given he was understandably riding on Cloud 9.
We chat on the lawn at the picturesque Zabeel Stables, with the spectacular Dubai World Cup in close proximity alongside Tuz’s silverware for winning the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, a glittering double on the night which took Seemar level with Michael Costa at the head of the UAE trainer’s championship heading into the final two meetings.
I refrain from asking if the golden masterpiece made it into the marital bedroom on Saturday night as seems the way whenever elite sportsmen or women capture a revered trophy these days. It is, however, patently obvious that Seemar is incredulous the trophy is within his touch and the grasp of dozens of his loyal staff who eagerly and voraciously enjoy having their pictures taken alongside both the iconic work of art and of course, the wonderful Laurel River.
LAURELS FLOWING LIKE A RIVER
Watching the scene unfold, it is clear from an early stage that there was never going to be an issue with Laurel River coping with a packed Meydan parade ring or a fervent racecourse atmosphere as he remains unflustered as the excitement unfolds around him. Displaying the same calm persona exhibited by his handler, the son of Into Mischief patiently waits for his duties to be concluded before exiting stage left with the minimum of fuss. In some way he is his trainer in equine form, a class act, unflustered and in control of his emotions at virtually all times – albeit they became a little harder to suppress on Saturday as Laurel River strolled majestically clear in the Meydan straight under Tadgh O’Shea.
“It still hasn’t hit home yet. It is the stuff of dreams, it is unbelievable to win the best race in the world against the best horses, trainers and jockeys,” recalled Seemar. “To have a horse that did it the way he did is absolutely incredible, it’s a phenomenal feeling. “I was calm until it happened as you never know until that moment, that second that it happens – you have to wait to celebrate in my view. I just didn’t want anything to go wrong, so I waited until the last second, but when he crossed the line, I thought ‘oh my God, what has just happened here!’
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