A year after the victory of Dolniya in the Gr.1 Dubai Sheema Classic during the richest race meeting in the world, H.H. the Aga Khan’s colours were successful once again thanks to the superb performance of Vazirabad in the Gold Cup.

A Group 1 winner in France aged three when taking the Prix Royal-Oak, the son of Manduro undertook his first journey abroad to tackle the US$1 million Dubai Gold Cup. Despite a troubled flight to Dubai and a seasonal debut against his elders, the gelding was able to show his very best in the Group 2 event.

Settled towards the rear of the field for much of the two mile contest, Vazirabad produced a stunning turn of foot at the entrance to the straight. He powered home up the centre of the track, reeling in Gr.2 winner Big Orange inside the final furlong to score by a neck.

The progressive Vazirabad has consistently improved with each outing since a maiden success in Dieppe last July, with his 2015 campaign culminating in successes in the Gr.3 Prix de Lutèce, Gr.2 Prix Chaudenay and finally, the Gr.1 Prix Royal-Oak.

Now a confirmed top-level stayer, his trainer Alain de Royer-Dupré feels that he also possesses the class to perform over a mile and a half. His next objectives could be the Gr.1 Coronation Cup and Gr.1 Grand Prix de Saint Cloud over this distance, while his stamina and success abroad also open up plenty of international opportunities.

By Manduro, Vazirabad is a son of Gr.3 Prix de Flore victrix and Gr.1 Grand Prix de Saint Cloud third Visorama. All seven of this daugther of Linamix’s progeny to have raced to date have won, and they include Stakes winner Visoriyna. Visorama delivered a colt foal by Sinndar in February and is visiting Haras de Bonneval’s exciting young sire Charm Spirit this season.