Remorse's fairytale comeback lights up Meydan Racecourse

Every now and then, a comeback story captures the imagination, but few are as remarkable as that of Remorse, the eight-year-old racehorse who has defied the odds.

- Leslie Wilson Jr [e-mail]

Remorse (left) storms to victory in the Thunder Snow Handicap at Meydan, defeating Elyabri by 6½ lengths on day two of the Dubai Racing Carnival.

Once a $12m Dubai World Cup and $20m Saudi Cup contender, Remorse had suffered a frightening fall at Abu Dhabi at the end of last season, the sort of injury that ends more careers than it spares. His connections had thought his racing days were over.

But thanks to months of delicate care at Bhupat Seemar’s UAE Championship-winning Zabeel Stables, led lovingly by Bhupat’s wife, Caroline, Remorse recovered, slowly but tenaciously. And at Meydan Racecourse on Friday night, he showed the racing world that his heart is as big as it ever was.

Breaking from stall six in the Thunder Snow Handicap over 1,800 metres, one of seven top quality races on day two of the Dubai Racing Carnival, Remorse pressed the leaders before being ridden out from four furlongs to power home an emphatic six and a half length winner, over Elyabri with Flying Honours a short head back in third.

For jockey Tadhg O’Shea, the moment was overwhelming.