On March 30, 2024, Laurel River made an impressive comeback to win the $12 million Dubai World Cup, setting a new record with an 8 ½ length victory at Meydan Racecourse. Despite starting from the far outside post in a field of 12, Laurel River and jockey Tadhg O’Shea took the lead halfway through the 1 ¼-mile race.
Trainer Bhupat Seemar expressed his amazement at Laurel River’s victory, stating, “I’m still coming to terms with what’s happened. I think it’ll probably sink in in another day or two.” The 6-year-old had previously been trained by Bob Baffert before owner Juddmonte Farms moved him to Seemar’s stable in Dubai last summer.
Despite his strong effort, defending champion Ushba Tesoro finished in second place, earning $2.4 million, while Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador from the U.S. came in third and took home $1.2 million. However, Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up Derma Sotogake finished sixth, and Defunded landed in seventh place. Additionally, Newgate, trained by Baffert, placed ninth
