Dubai World Cup jockey assignments are taking shape with two weeks remaining until the $30.5-million race meeting at Meydan Racecourse.
Champion sprinter Straight No Chaser (Speightster) will reunite with John Velazquez in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. The pair recently captured the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint and represent perhaps the strongest American chance on the program.
Velazquez’s agent Kiaran McLaughlin confirmed the veteran jockey has secured two additional mounts — Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) for trainer Antonio Sano in the G1 Dubai World Cup and Little Vic (Practical Joke) for Juan Carlos Avila in the G2 Godolphin Mile.
Frankie Dettori will partner with GI Malibu Stakes winner Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) in the Godolphin Mile and with Mixto (Good Magic) in the World Cup, where he seeks a record-setting fifth victory in the prestigious race.
Trainer Doug O’Neill confirmed Saturday that Katonah (Klimt)’s connections have selected William Buick for the main event. The Norwegian-born rider previously guided Prince Bishop (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) to victory in the 2015 World Cup.
Christophe Soumillon will ride Isivunguvungu (SAf) (What a Winter {SAf}) in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, trainer Graham Motion announced. The Belgian-born, French-based jockey previously partnered with the 6-year-old twice in South Africa during 2023, including a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship.
Emisael Jaramillo, who captured the 2019 Golden Shaheen, will attempt to double his tally aboard 2024 third-place finisher Nakatomi (Firing Line) for trainer Wesley Ward. Fergus Galvin, U.S. advisor to part-owner Qatar Racing, confirmed the booking.
Japanese star Christophe Lemaire will replace Paco Lopez aboard Steal Sunshine (Constitution) in the Godolphin Mile after Lopez was unable to make the trip to Dubai, co-owner Carrie Brogden said Saturday.
Florent Geroux has secured rides on GIII Gotham Stakes hero Flood Zone (Frosted) in the G2 UAE Derby and Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}), according to Wathnan Racing’s Case Clay.
Golden Shaheen contender Super Chow (Lord Nelson) will have Chantal Sutherland in the irons for trainer Jorge Delgado.
Trainer Ken McPeek has yet to confirm a World Cup jockey for the newly invited Rattle N Roll (Connect). Joel Rosario, who rode the horse to victory in the G3 King’s Cup and to a fifth in the G1 Saudi Cup, will be in New York for Wood Memorial day, his agent Ron Anderson said.
The American contingent was scheduled to depart South Florida on Saturday.
