As Dubai 2024 Championship Nears, Horse Racing Trainer Unveils Intricate Upcoming Schedule

The Dubai World Cup marks one of the prominent days in the horse racing calendar. Glamor, anticipation, and thrilling action call upon the spectators and participants alike, adorning a prize purse of USD30.5 million. For Chad Summers, the trainer for Lukas Classic winner NYTHA President Nominee, the situation is no different. Pre-events or the main, Summers has his eyes set on the path.

Chad Summers has had quite the success in horse racing. Over 500 starts and the trainer houses some of the cherished grade stakes winners in the stables. As the new year brings with it a new season and opportunities, Summers is determined to present his best; planning the schedule right.

The trainer’s plans for the Dubai World Cup

Chad Summers recently caught up with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) for a year-end chat on his career and more specifically, his equines. Talking about plans for the season ahead, Summers mentioned two of his Graded Stakes winners, Clapton and Drew’s Gold. The duo will be moving to the Middle East for RRR Racing in hopes of ultimately making it to the Dubai Cup. Group 1 Maktoum Challenge Al Shindagha Sprint on Jan 26th will be the equines’ initial stops.

“They’re going to leave on January 11 to go over to Dubai, so we’re excited,” Summers said. “It’s a lot of pressure to run in the backyard of His Highness, but Clapton is a cool horse and I really think he’s going to love that track…” The Maktoum Challenge might act as an ultimate for Clapton while Drew’s Gold might hold a second chance on March 2nd, Al Shimaal.

“With Drew’s Gold, we’ll look at the sprint race on January 26 and if he makes that race great,” Summers continued. “If not, we’ll wait for Super Saturday on March 2 and the goal is the Golden Shaheen on March 30.”  Owned by Sheikh Rashin, a royal politician in UAE, the duo will look for a comfortable training environment, hopefully helping their track records.

An aim to improve horse racing record

5-year-old Clapton started his career back in 2021 and currently stands entitled to 23 career starts. The equine has raced Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, Gulfstream Park, and more, recording 2023 wins at Ghostzapper G3 and Lucas Classic G2. However, his race at the Breeders’ Cup did not yield the best results as he finished on 11th. As for Drew’s Gold, the 4-year-old was moved to Summers’ barns only in October 2023, following a purchase by RRR Racing.

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The equine is yet to record a major win but holds a placing in G1 Woody Stephens. The two are currently preparing at Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and will begin the journey on the 11th.

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