WORCESTER-based Deva Racing are enjoying success in the Middle East courtesy of their latest thoroughbred sensation Imperial Emperor.
Deva bought Imperial Emperor last year and offered for syndication. A mixture of UK and Dubai-based owners have been rewarded with two wins from two starts.
And Deva will now enter the thoroughbred in a Group 1 race – the highest level of the flat racing world.
Deva Racing’s managing director, Ryan Tongue said: “I purchased Imperial Emperor from the sales in Dubai last year.
“He was previously trained in the UK and sent to race in Dubai.
“He was a little bit off the pace, but I felt he had a lot more to offer, so I took the plunge and bought him for 300,000 UAE dirham, which equates to about £65,000.
“Everyone in racing dreams of unearthing a star and Imperial Emperor is just that.
“I’m delighted to have found a horse with such great potential for my owners and they are having the time of their racing lives.
“The plan is to run in the one million dollar Group 1 Al Maktoum Mile on January 24 at Meydan.
“If things go well there, he will automatically win his ticket for the Dubai World Cup, which has seven million dollars on offer to the winner.”
Imperial Emperor nearly broke the course record in his second win at Meydan Racecourse. This prompted discussions of entering the horse in Group 1 races.
Dubai-based trainer Bhupat Seemar has helped Imperial Emperor undergo a remarkable transformation.
Jockey Tadhg O’Shea rode Imperial Emperor to each of his two victories.
