Heavy Metal sets the stage on fire

Dubai - The 2018 racing carnival in Dubai couldn't have seen a better start.

Heavy Metal produced a race to remember for Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to win the $1 million Godolphin Mile -- the opening race of the Dubai World Cup -- at Meydan on Saturday.
The 2018 racing carnival in Dubai couldn't have seen a better start as Heavy Metal set the stage on fire with a run that will not be forgotten by those who saw it.
On a bright day, this sizzling performance also made Sandeep Jadav incredible proud.
The Indian handler couldn't hide his joy when Heavy Metal reached the finish line in stunning style, giving him a victory on his debut as a trainer in the Dubai World Cup.
"Heavy Metal is a dream horse for the yard. He fought to the winning line and then we all went crazy," Jadav said.
"It's out of the world. It's a dream come true."
Heavy Metal, the eight-year-old son of Exceed and Excel, completely dominated the 1600m race on the dirt, losing the lead only for a few seconds to Kimbear before finishing the job in one minute and 36.21 seconds.
He beat Muntazah, ridden by Jim Crowley, by two lengths and Japanese horse Adirato, ridden by Christophe Lemaire, took the third place.
Ryan Moore, the hugely experienced jockey, just allowed Heavy Metal to show his strength and class to open up a huge lead on the home stretch as he raced to glory amid thunderous applause from the Meydan crowd.
"We worked very hard to get the lead through the first quarter but then he settled and travelled well for me in front," More said.
"I was able to fill him up before the turn and into the straight I knew it would take a very big effort to get past me. It appears a big advantage to be in front on this track and it played to his strengths. He is a terrifically consistent horse," the champion jockey added.
This performance proved why pundits had backed Heavy Metal for the top prize in this race.
He has been in glorious form since the start of the New Year and Saturday's success was his third win in five starts in 2018.
And, for trainer Jadav, it couldn't have been a better start to his career at the highest level.
"It's been my dream to win the Godolphin Mile for the years since I have been an assistant trainer. It's definitely a story-book finish," he said at the press conference after the race.
"I am not surprised he won. I know this horse is a very good horse. I am not surprised, but yes I was a little bit nervous since this is my first time as a trainer. So that's the reason I was so happy.
"This means so much to me. I can't put it into words. It's definitely very special. I was very confident in the horse. This is just out of the world. It's amazing. I cannot explain it."
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com