Real World back in business with Bahrain Listed win

Real World rediscovered the level of form that yielded G2 wins in Europe and Dubai as he recorded a decisive victory in the Listed Al Methaq Mile in Bahrain on Friday, 8 March.

Pushed along leaving the stalls, Real World soon raced in second as The Parent led the 12 runners. The Parent stretched his lead to five lengths turning in but came back to the field in the straight, with Real World staying on strongly to hit the front over a furlong and a half from home.

Real World kicked clear approaching the final furlong and the Saeed bin Suroor-trained seven-year-old was eased by Kevin Stott in the final strides to beat Wowzers by a cosy two and a half lengths.

Saeed bin Suroor said: “Real World’s form in England and France was good in the past and he ran well in Qatar on his latest start. He worked well last week, which gave us confidence, and a mile is his best trip.

“I told Kevin that he had to be prominent as all Real World’s wins have come from the front, but he knows the horse well and gave him a good ride. It’s good to see him back winning a big race like this.”

Kevin Stott added: “I think the older Real World is getting, the wiser he is getting, and he needs a blindfold in the stalls, which makes him jump a little bit slow. I had a good draw in three and I got a good position.

“He was obviously the best horse in the race and it’s nice to get his head in front again. I’m very grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for giving me this opportunity and for Saeed, who has been a big supporter of mine since I was an apprentice.”