"We are very excited" - Aidan O'Brien on his Dubai World Cup Night runners

Ahead of a fantastic afternoon of racing at Meydan, Aidan O'Brien has spoken to the press about his runners on Dubai World Cup Night.

O'Brien has sent six horses over to Dubai, including superstar Auguste Rodin, who'll take on Liberty Island in the Sheema Classic. Read Aidan's quotes here...

2024 Dubai World Cup Night - Aidan O'Brien Quotes

Sheema Classic - Auguste Rodin

He’s so important to the breed of the thoroughbred. He brings together the best of Japan and Europe - the best of two continents - and it’s fair to say he’s one of the most important and exciting horses we have ever had. He really does have a chance of exerting a huge influence on future racehorses.

It was a very brave decision by the lads to keep him in training, most definitely. There was already huge interest in him as a stallion prospect.

But his owners are enjoying their racing more than ever these days and they are conscious of how unique this horse is. I think it’s great for everyone in racing that we can enjoy him again this year.

We feel he has matured well from three to four and the reports from the team at Meydan are that he has travelled there well and is in great form. He is ready to run to his best and we are very excited about the journey ahead.

Dubai Gold Cup - Tower Of London

We were delighted with what he did in Saudi Arabia. We felt he was only just ready to start, so for him to do that was very encouraging. We are stepping him up in class for the Dubai Gold Cup on March 30th and we think he can come forward from that. He handles fast ground, he’s pacey, he quickens, and he stays well. That type of horse can do very well around the world. I’m not sure he’d ever be a Gold Cup type as he seems very comfortable and quick at two miles, but never say never.

Dubai Turf - Luxembourg & Cairo

In his (Luxembourg) last run at Riyadh, we felt they just went way too slow for him. He’s a strong galloping horse that will always be favoured by an even or stronger pace. Considering that, we thought he ran well and can step up a lot from that. After Dubai, we’ll probably go back up in trip with him.

Cairo seems to have come out of his run in Qatar in great form. He came home really well from off the pace around what is a tight track in Qatar and Ryan felt that a stronger pace would have brought about a better result for him. The race in Dubai will be stronger, but he has more improvement in him.

UAE Derby - Henry Adams & Navy Seal

He’s (Henry Adams) a No Nay Never and it’ll be very interesting to see how he gets on. We don’t have any plans set in stone for him after that and will be guided by how he handles the surface there. Navy Seal will also run on the dirt in the UAE Derby.