By Alan Carasso, DWC Notes Team
Though his best form in America is over a mile (1600metres), Wathnan Racing’s Tumbarumba has successfully negotiated a step up in trip in his last couple of appearances and the six-year-old gelding is well and truly in with a chance at Saturday’s $12-million Group 1 Dubai World Cup [sponsored by Emirates] over 2000metres.
One of just 837 horses foaled in the American state of Louisiana in 2020, Tumbarumba is a four-time stakes winner going eight furlongs, half of those since his acquisition by Wathnan in the summer of 2024. Fourth to G1 Saudi Cup runner-up Nysos in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile last November, he joined the yard of Hamad Al Jehani late last year and has taken a step forward when tried over a bit further.
A runner-up effort to Imperial Emperor in the 1900metre Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge resulted in a trip to Riyadh and he was beaten less than five lengths into third behind Forever Young in the $20-million contest on 14 February. In his 14 runs in the Wathnan colours, he has amassed earnings of over $2.7 million
“I give credit to Hamad Al Jehani and to [American-based trainer] Brian Lynch,” says Case Clay, the US Racing and Bloodstock Manager for Wathnan, shortly after touching down in Dubai. “This will be the longest he’s gone, but Hamad has said he’s taken a step forward since the Saudi Cup and he’s tighter and that’s encouraging to hear.”
Over the last few years, Wathnan has sought out horses of racing age with upside for private purchase, and Clay is thrilled with the success the operation has had with that approach thus far.
“It’s been great, Hit Show falls into the same category,” he said of the World Cup’s defending champion. “The remit is to try and buy horses that can potentially win races the Amir would be proud of. Thankfully Hit Show did it last year and hopefully one of these two can do it, but it’s been nice to see them progress. If (Tumbarumba) is in a position towards the end where he can fight – whether he wins or not – he fights.”
