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Gold-en Brown as Panther purrs at Meydan

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MARCH 28:  Brown Panther ridden by Richard Kingscote wins the Dubai Gold Cup during the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecou
Image: Brown Panther ridden by Richard Kingscote wins the Dubai Gold Cup

Brown Panther hit the target for breeder and co-owner Michael Owen with a convincing victory in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan.

Richard Kingscote always had the Tom Dascombe-trained seven-year-old in a prominent position as Mushreq made the running in the two-mile Group Two.

Knowing he was on a stout stayer, Kingscote set sail for home three furlongs out and quickly went several lengths clear.

Ahzeemah and Star Empire gave chase, but it was a lost cause as Brown Panther (4-1 favourite) galloped with authority all the way to the line.

Owen said: "He's been a superstar from day one and this man (Dascombe) has trained him to perfection.

"He always jumps really well out of the traps and he found himself right up there.

"The rest is history, as they say.

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"He's a special horse. I'll probably never replace a horse like this.

"It's been an amazing story."

Kingscote, who has only just recovered from serious injuries, said: "The boss has been keen to get him relaxed and he's done well.

"I'm really pleased with him.

"He travelled great. He got me in a nice position and looked after me the whole way round.

"It means a lot to be here and it's the biggest win of my career."

Sky Bet were suitably impressed, with Brown Panther cut from 10-1 to 6-1 for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in the summer.

Dascombe said: "You spend months trying to get him right for the day and it's all gone well.

"After about 100 yards I was pretty confident it was going to be our day.

"They went a sensible pace, not too fast.

"He's a phenomenal horse. He doesn't know how to run a bad race.

"Hopefully he's better than ever."

James Doyle, who rode third-placed Ahzeemah for Godolphin, said: "It was really pleasing to put his recent bad run behind him.

"He has bounced back to his old self.

"I was really pleased with the way everything went - the trip and the even pace which played to his strengths.

"It was a very encouraging performance."

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