Haggas does it again with Dubai Honour in 2025 Tancred Stakes

William Haggas has continued his dominance in Australian racing with Dubai Honour landing a decisive victory in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill.

Dubai Honour, who went off at $3.20 with online betting sites, maintained his perfect record in Sydney, adding to his previous Group 1 wins in 2023.

The gelding surged to the front in the straight, fending off Duke De Sessa ($5.50) by three-quarters of a length, while favourite Vauban ($3.10) finished a further half-length behind.

Isabella Paul, overseeing Haggas’ Australian stable, including the Golden Eagle triumph with Lake Forest, was ecstatic with Dubai Honour’s performance.

“Anyone who knows me knows how special this horse is to me and to the whole team. He is just an absolute star,” Paul said.

“He’s seven-years-old and he has proved again he is still at top-class level.

“He is the most perfect horse to travel. He never misses a beat. I never worry about him.

“We joke that he’s like a labrador because he is like my pet. I’m just so proud of him.”

Tom Marquand, who rode the gelding, was relieved to notch up a Group 1 success during his Australian stint.

“I’ve been here a couple of weeks and it was starting to get a bit dull,” Marquand said.

“I’m lucky that I’ve been riding a few for Australian-based trainers but you come here to compete in the Group Ones and it is really satisfying when you pull it off.”

Dubai Honour may next face Via Sistina in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, depending on how he recovers from this effort.

While the Tancred Stakes (2400m) was their main goal, Paul remains optimistic about the step back to 2000m.

“This race, for me, it felt like it was his race this year and I was really keen that he came here. He has proved himself over that mile-and-a-half trip,” Paul said.

“Stepping back to 2000 metres, we haven’t really got an option, but there is no reason not to try, especially after that performance.

“He is such a star for the stable and it’s nice to see that at seven-years-old he is still winning.”

Harry Coffey praised Duke De Sessa’s effort after sticking close to the pace and fighting hard.

“Super proud of him. He is flying. He’s in the zone,” Coffey said.

“He just got beaten by a really good horse. He was a sitting duck up the straight.”

Tim Clark said Vauban, a leading Melbourne Cup fancy, didn’t give up in the straight.

“I thought once he got clear he finished the race off really well,” Clark said.