Bhupat Seemar is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to test WALK OF STARS against ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the $20 million Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) this Saturday, as the UAE-based trainer prepares his star performer for the world’s richest race.
WALK OF STARS owned by Saudi Arabia’s Athbah Racing, has been in scintillating form, securing two dominant victories in Dubai by a combined margin of 13 and three-quarter lengths. The DUBAWI gelding, ridden by 12-time UAE Champion Jockey Tadhg O’Shea, recently claimed his first Group 1 success in the Al Maktoum Challenge (1900m, dirt), stamping his credentials for this elite contest.
While ROMANTIC WARRIOR, Hong Kong’s champion, is making his dirt debut, Seemar acknowledges the extraordinary ability of his rival and believes the Saudi track may offer a fair test for all contenders. “What can I say about him? He says it all about himself,” Seemar remarked. “He’s the highest earner in the world, and he can travel anywhere, he’s been to so many different countries. He’s a very special horse, and it’s good to see him run here. I think the track here suits all kinds of horses, including those coming from turf.”
Seemar, head of Zabeel Stables and a two-time UAE Champion Trainer, has been a regular presence in Saudi Arabia since the inaugural Saudi Cup in 2020. While he was expected to saddle last year’s Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River, a setback has sidelined that runner, leaving Walk Of Stars as his sole representative.
Having transitioned to Seemar’s care at the end of 2023 after competing at Group 1 level in Britain for Charlie Appleby, WALK OF STARS has adapted impressively to dirt racing. “This year, he’s really learned how to race on dirt. His last two runs have been very impressive,” Seemar said. “He’s a horse with tactical speed and stamina, he’s very adaptable. He can go forward, sit second, or even sit third.”
The Saudi Cup has drawn a deep international field, including contenders from Hong Kong, Japan, the USA, France, and Saudi Arabia. Alongside WALK OF STARS, ROMANTIC WARRIOR will take on the likes of FOREVER YOUNG, RATTLE N ROLL, FACTEUR CHEVAL, USHBA TESORO, RAMJET, AL MUSMAK, EL KODIGO, WAIT TO EXCEL, WILSON TESORO, DEFUNDED, INTENSE FOR ME and WOOTTON’SUN.
WALK OF STARS will break from barrier six in the 14-runner event, carrying the hopes of Seemar and his team as he steps onto the global stage in Riyadh. ROMANTIC WARRIOR draws gate 3, FOREVER YOUNG 14 as Saudi Cup field takes shape.
