Gulf News.com
Dubai: Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin is leaving nothing to chance as he plots a path to glory in the world's richest race, the Group 1 Dubai World Cup.
A former four-time champion trainer in the UAE who now resides in Garden City, New York, McLaughlin is aiming Breeders' Cup sensation Invasor at the $6 million race.
Invasor will be partnered by regular rider Fernando Jara who today gets a chance to familiarize himself with the Nad Al Sheba dirt track.
The 19-year-old from Panama has two rides for champion trainer Doug Watson, a former assistant to McLaughlin.
Jara will be aboard Mutasallil in the Jaguar Trophy, and Carillon in the Al Tayer Motors UAE Oaks (Listed).
Invasor is owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry.
Watson explained: "His Highness Shaikh Hamdan and Kiaran felt Fernando should get a look at the track before Dubai World Cup night, as it differs from the regular American tracks.
"There are mostly two-furlong (around 400 metres) straights in the US, while here it is three furlongs, and the atmosphere will be different for him too.
"They didn't want him to be in awe of the place, but I'm sure he will be fine. I've never met him (before), but he is apparently a lovely guy and looks a great rider already. So I'm really happy I can help out in whatever way I can."
Jara took US racing by storm last year, partnering Invasor to victory in the Group 1 Breeders' Cup Classic - his first ever Breeders' Cup meeting - and also winning the Group 1 Belmont Stakes on Jazil.
This glamorous and exiting event is held at the magnificent Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, which boasts state-of-art facilities including some of the very best hospitality venues. Being the world`s richest horse race, it is an event that attracts the very best horses, jockeys and trainers from all over the world, offering horse racing of the highest calibre.
Catch the richest horse race in the world on Dubai Sports Channel!