Dubai: Simon and Ed Crisford's smart mare Fairy Glen maintained her stellar start to 2026 by landing a dramatic $1,000,000 Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, in the 30th Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.
According to Emirates News Agency, for much of the 3200m race, it appeared as if Silvestre De Sousa might have executed a masterstroke on Sunway, establishing a lead of approximately 25 lengths from an initially slow pace. However, a combination of loneliness and fatigue became evident as the race turned for home.
Caballo De Mar, who had been in second place, made the first bid for the finish line. However, Mickael Barzalona skillfully angled Fairy Glen up the inside, allowing her to cross the line half a length ahead of Caballo De Mar for her most significant victory to date.
The daughter of Farhh, bred by Godolphin and owned by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, had been part of the Crisford stable's contingent in Dubai this year. She arrived at the event following a victory in the G2 Balanchine over 1800m, showcasing her adaptability and prowess in different racing conditions.