After sending out eight winners at the Cheltenham Festival, Willie Mullins is seeking even greater riches in Dubai.
Mullins memorably sent out Ethical Diamond for an improbable win in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Despite starting his career over hurdles for Mullins, the six-year-old has excelled on the flat, notably being a former Ebor winner too.
However, his win in the US showpiece was still greatly unexpected. Ethical Diamond has not raced over obstacles this season as a result, with the 1m4f Dubai Sheema Classic next on his agenda.
That sets Mullins’ runner on a collision course with Calandagan. There are few mountains which have proved insurmountable for the Closutton master. However, defeating the world’s highest-rated flat horse would potentially be the greatest he has ever scaled.
Ethical Diamond only second Mullins runner at Dubai World Cup
Willie Mullins has only sent out one runner on Dubai World Cup night. Simenon finished last in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup over 2m.
Ethical Diamond will already prove his most significant given the stronger nature of the Dubai Sheema Classic. The vibes are also good among his travelling team.
T J Comerford, Mullins’ travelling foreman, told dubairacingclub.com via the Sporting Life that “he’s very good, he’s eaten up every night and he’s thriving since he’s got here.”
His grounding at a National Hunt yard has potentially aided his temperament for the big occasion. Comerford reports that he remains very laid back ahead of the Meydan Group 1 prize.
“He’s in great form. He’s a very easy horse to do anything with, he’s well-mannered and we are really happy with him.
“I was there for the Breeders’ Cup, it was a great day. I didn’t know what to expect but it’s Willie Mullins, you can never put anything past him.”
It is not just beating Calandagan that would be historic for Mullins. No horse has ever won the Dubai Sheema Classic after the Breeders’ Cup Turf and the season-ending break.
Ethical Diamond is the clear second favourite for the contest, though Calandagan is also reported to have taken his travel well.
Jeremy Lobel, who travelled with the European champion, said the following: “Calandagan was hand-walked on Sunday and today I rode him, though we remained in quarantine, so we were just walking and trotting.
“He was very calm this morning and he’s become a lot more mature with age.