Charlie and Mark Johnston’s Dubai Mile could be headed for the Breeders’ Cup after showing great tenacity to land the Criterium de Saint-Cloud under Daniel Muscutt – a rider enjoying a first Group 1 victory.
A Group 1 winner for Roaring Lion as a sire ????
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 22, 2022
Dubai Mile is tough as nails to beat Arrest in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud for @D_Muscutttt and @Johnston_Racing! pic.twitter.com/xaIDVLnQkO
The Roaring Lion colt dug deep to hold off John and Thady Gosden’s Arrest, who loomed on his inside but was never allowed to pass in a battle to the line.
Dubai Mile, now a veritable bargain as purchased for just €20,000, eventually triumphed by a head from his British rival in the 10-furlong contest.
“It’s fantastic the way he’s come back today, I think it was a tremendous ride by the jockey,” Mark Johnston told Sky Sports Racing.
“The horse has surprised people, including us, along the way. He has this style of running where, in every race, he looks green.
???? @Johnston_Racing hails the mighty Roaring Lion after he sired a Group One winner in Dubai Mile at Saint-Cloud earlier this afternoon... pic.twitter.com/3RlD6CDsIW
— Sky Sports Racing (@SkySportsRacing) October 22, 2022
“This is his fifth race now and he still looks a little bit green, but he’s clearly got a tremendous attitude.
“As Daniel said, when he’s got something to aim at he keeps finding a bit more.”
Mark’s son and co-trainer Charlie, who was at Doncaster, added: “I’ll have to watch it back because watching it live I’d given up four (furlongs) out. He led early but I thought it was game over when they came by him before the straight.
“He seemed to get back in it in the straight and then he was unbelievably tough in the closing stages. It was a fantastic result.
“We were confident he would stay without being certain and the combination of the trip and ground made it a thorough test.”
Owner Ahmad Al Shaikh had intended to sell the white-faced bay, but that plan may now be reconsidered as the Breeders’ Cup has been brought into the equation.
“Ahmad Al Shaikh has some very clever ideas and he has helped campaign the horse very well. He’s got him in the Horses In Training Sale next week,” Johnston snr explained.
“We bought him for €20,000, a deal had been agreed to buy him prior to the Royal Lodge, but they didn’t complete quickly enough and he ran in the Royal Lodge and his price went up.
“He may go to the sales, he may enter him in the Breeders’ Cup – he’s talked about making the entry for the Breeders’ Cup.”