Trainer Bob Baffert has a special connection to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and it’s not just because his horses have earned more than $21 million in the Dubai World Cup (G1) over the past quarter-century.
It’s also the place where he suffered a heart attack in 2012 a week before he was to saddle Game on Dude in one of the world’s richest horse races.
Baffert, 59 at the time, was taken to a hospital with his wife Jill by his side and underwent surgery to have three stents placed in the left side of his heart because of blocked arteries. It was “scary” the trainer said, and he’s always been effusive in his praise for the care he received, including visits from Dubai ruler Shiekh Mohammed.
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“I have great memories because I had a heart attack there and Sheikh Mohammed saved me. I have so much respect for Sheikh Mohammed and his family,’’ Baffert said. “He’s such a visionary guy and has been really good for American racing.
“I got a second chance; he sent a top guy (doctor) in there and he fixed me. There wouldn’t have been any Triple Crowns if he hadn’t saved me.”
Game on Dude did not win one for Baffert that year, but the Hall of Fame trainer has had more success than nearly anyone in the race – four victories in the 10 times he’s sent out one or more horses.
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On March 30, Baffert goes for win No. 5 with 4-year-old Newgate, the recent Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner who looks to be in top form after nearly a year away from racing (February 2023 to January 2024).
Baffert won’t be in Dubai this time, saying: “I’d love to go but I’m shorthanded an assistant right now, so Jimmy (Barnes) is going, he’ll be there at the weekend, along with a rider and a groom.”
As for Newgate, who was sent off to Dubai on Monday (March 18), Baffert said: “He’s doing better now than he was going into the Big Cap when he was a little heavy. I really think he’s doing well.”
Frankie Dettori, who was aboard the 4-year-old in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), has the call.
Baffert won with Silver Charm in 1998, Captain Steve in 2001, Arrogate in 2017, and Country Grammer in 2022.
Saeed bin Suroor, longtime trainer for Sheikh Mohammed, leads all trainers with nine Dubai World Cups.
Baffert’s Dubai World Cup Resume
2023 — Country Grammer (7th)
2022 — Country Grammer (1st)
2018 — West Coast (2nd), Mubtaahij (3rd)
2017 — Arrogate (1st), Hopportunity (6th)
2016 – Hopportunity (3rd)
2012 – Game On Dude (12th)
2010 – Richard’s Kid (7th)
2001 – Captain Steve (1st)
1999 – Silver Charm (6th)
1998 – Silver Charm (1st)
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
