Lights, Camera, Action! Mystic Guide Wins Dramatic Dubai World Cup

It had already been a dramatic night when the horses broke from the gate in the Dubai World Cup, as two horses had already unseated their jockeys, one in the paddock and one at the gate. The excitement continued as the horses rounded the second turn, with Mystic Guide pulling up to challenge the leader of the race. As they came out of the turn, jockey Luis Saez pushed Mystic Guide and the four-year-old colt responded by digging in and handily pulling ahead to win the race by nearly four lengths.

“Our plan worked out. To break well, get a position and then I knew he would give me that kick at the top of the straight. And he did. I didn’t want to be too far back and I just asked him turning for home and he kicked,” Saez told Dubai Racing Club after the race. “Today he proved he is a champion, and I know he is going to get better and better. What a nice horse, he has all the ability. It’s an honor for me. This was my dream as a little kid, and I can’t believe I’m here now. It’s a dream come true.”

The Dubai World Cup was trainer Mike Stidham’s first time competing overseas. “I am so happy to be here, and the horse performed to his capability. It’s a beautiful thing. He was getting antsy in the parade ring and, with a loose horse, it made it more difficult; then we had to load a couple times. It was a little scary at the start, but he stayed relaxed,” he said. “I got a good feeling when I saw him lying in third on the backside, and then down the lane it was amazing. I’m so proud to be here on the 25th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup for Sheikh Mohammed and the sky’s the limit for this horse. We’d love to come back next year. I’ll know the lay of the land better then!”

Mystic Guide is fueled by Classic Finish from Quality Feeds, fortified by KER Micronutrients. These micronutrients are designed to deliver the optimal amount and proper balance of critical vitamins and minerals to each class of horse for breeding, growth, performance, and overall health. Find a feed fortified with KER Micronutrients near you.