Al Sahem, Delpech set out to conquer Dubai Gold Cup
Bonginkosi Nkosi
Champion jockey Anthony Delpech flew to Dubai on Monday evening and will be reuniting with long-time collaborator Al Sahem on World Cup Night – in the hopes of winning Saturday’s $1-million Dubai Gold Cup over 3200m on the Turf track.
Before boarding his plane, I caught up with Delpech and he spoke candidly about his expectations in the competitive Group 2 event.
“I’m excited to be honest. I got the call from Mike (de Kock) last week Sunday and he asked if I wanted to ride Al Sahem. Of course I couldn't say no – it’s World Cup Night! Every jockey wants to ride at this event,” he explained.
Delpech had a successful relationship with Al Sahem during his South African campaign – riding the four-year-old son of Silvano four times for three seconds and an easy 1.75-length victory in the SA Derby over 2450m.
“On his last run at Meydan, nothing suggests that he can’t stay 3200m. It was a fantastic run, I thought it was great. He came from absolutely nowhere to finish fifth,” said an enthusiastic Delpech.
Al Sahem wasn’t disgraced on that occasion, running on smartly in the dying stages – beaten 6.05 lengths by Hawkbill.
De Kock’s charge is a quality horse. He has tons of ability and proved it when winning the SA Derby – further supporting the fact that he is perhaps most lethal over further – 3200m could be exactly what he wants.
“I’ve won on World Cup Night before,” said Delpech – humbly alluding to the fact that he won the Sheema Classic Group 1 in emphatic style aboard Vengeance Of Rain in 2007.
“I know the track pretty well, but I will admit, it’s going to be very hard to win this race. You need to consider the fact that we are going against some of the best horses from around the world,” he said.
“The Sheik (owner Sheik Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum) only sends them overseas when they have ability.
“We’ve got a ticket – hopefully everything goes our way in running,” he continued.
Taking an Eachway bet on Al Sahem could pay handsomely.