Deep Impact continues to make mark on rich Dubai turf races

Real Steel won the Group 1, $6 million Dubai Turf in 2016, but days before this year’s renewal, he was forced to abandon a repeat bid. It was no matter, as Vivlos won to give her sire, Deep Impact, consecutive winners of the rich event.

The Dubai Turf was the second Group 1 victory for Vivlos, who landed the Shuka Sho last year. This was her first trip outside her home country.

Deep Impact, who swept Japan’s Triple Crown in 2005 and earned consecutive Horse of the Year titles, is one of several leading sires continuing to fly the flag for the late Sunday Silence. Deep Impact is closing in on a milestone with 96 career stakes winners.

Several of his progeny have acquitted themselves well in the rich turf races in Dubai. In addition to his pair of Dubai Turf winners, his two-time Horse of the Year Gentildonna captured the Group 1, $6 million Sheema Classic in 2014 after finishing second the prior year. Last Impact was third in the 2016 Sheema Classic.