Facteur Cheval hangs on for upset in Dubai Turf

An Ireland-bred, France-based gelding with American owners, Facteur Cheval, traveled to the United Arab Emirates to win the $5 million Dubai Turf on Saturday at Meydan Racecourse – if only barely.

Facteur Cheval, getting a fine midpack trip under Maxime Guyon, held on by a head over late-running Namur in this one-turn, nine-furlong grass contest. Second in the 2023 Dubai Turf, Danon Beluga was third this year, three quarters of a length out of second and a half-length better than rising 4-year-old Measured Time. Lord North, seeking his fourth win in the Dubai Turf, could only finish eighth, while the well-backed Hong Kong shipper Voyage Bubble was 13th, one place better than Luxembourg, who also sat near the head of the betting markets.

The race ended tragically for the American horse Catnip, who broke down in the final furlong and had to be euthanized shortly thereafter. His jockey, Christophe Lemaire, was taken to the hospital “for observation” according to broadcasters.

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Trained in France by Jerome Reynier, Facteur Cheval campaigns for Team Valor International, headed by Barry Irwin, and Gary Barber. The lightly raced 5-year-old was making just his 12th start and won for the first time at the Group 1 level. Clearly an improved horse in 2023, Facteur Cheval was beaten less than one length in the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan - until Saturday his only start beyond one mile – and was second to Paddington in the Sussex Stakes last summer before ending his season with a distant second place finish over very soft ground in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

Guyon, riding Facteur Cheval for only the second of time, settled his mount beautifully and came into the homestretch with a horse beneath him full of run. Closing in steadily six or seven paths from the rail, Facteur Cheval made the lead just past the 200-meter marker but had to dig deep to hold clear Namur’s powerful finish.

The winning time over a “good” course was a strong 1:45.91 and Facteur Cheval paid $52.50 on the American tote.

Facteur Cheval is by Ribchester out of Jawlaat, by Shamardal, and is expected to go on to Hong Kong for his next start. In Dubai, he was very, very good.

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