Pride of Dubai Stayer Wins Queensland Cup

Purchased for 675,000 guineas by Blandford Bloodstock at the 2022 Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale, the Annabel Neasham trained import Fancy Man (6g Pride of Dubai x Fancy, by Galileo) posted his first Australian win on Saturday at Eagle Farm when taking out the $160,000 Listed BRC Queensland Cup (2400m).

Just behind the place-getters in recent Group class runs in Sydney, Fancy Man appreciated a drop in class to score a length won over tough stayer Parry Sound (8g Pierro x Aqua D’Amore, by Danehill) with young apprentice Bailey Wheeler in the saddle

A two time stakes-winner in the UK and multiple Group placed, Fancy Man has the overall record of five wins and eight placings from 23 starts and should take confidence from this victory as will his young rider.

“I am quite lost for words, this is such a massive thrill,” Wheeler said.

“I haven’t been at Annabel’s for long and to get an opportunity like this is unreal.

“I actually sent Annabel a message the other morning saying ‘please tell me Fancy Man is coming here’.

“I’m not sure whether she actually replied to me.

“I have only had a few rides in 2400m, so this is a great experience for me.”

Fancy Man is a half-brother to Group II placed The Grey Wizard and is the best of four winners from Fancy, an unraced Galileo daughter of Group III winning Danehill Dancer mare Danehill Music.

Fancy Man is the first Australian stakes-winner of the new season for Pride of Dubai, who is standing this spring at a fee of $27,500.