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Aeliana outlasts Dubai Honour in 2026 Tancred Stakes nailbiter

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The intense matchup of Aeliana versus Dubai Honour unfolded as a gripping contest between premier weight-for-age horses at full strength.

Aeliana tapped into reserves to overhaul Dubai Honour and snag the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) conducted at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, both elevating their profiles in a pulse-pounding finale.

Chris Waller, inductee in the Hall of Fame, equated Aeliana with his ex-champion Verry Elleegant, as English visitor Dubai Honour illustrated that years don’t limit peak racing.

Here was weight-for-age at peak quality – two superior runners in fierce combat, directed by global riding masters with aggressive approaches.

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Tom Marquand on Dubai Honour grabbed the front, making James McDonald place Aeliana immediately behind and monitor the threat closely.

The ploy was inches from success. Rounding into the final stages, Marquand sent Dubai Honour clear by three lengths, poised to nab the prize.

Aeliana wouldn’t relent though. Ridden by McDonald, she methodically narrowed the deficit, prevailing stride for stride at the end.

“I was worried from the 300m to the 100m but Aeliana was very brave,” Waller said.

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“It’s hard to beat a (William) Haggas horse when they’re being set for a race as Mr Haggas does.

“He shows us what training’s all about when he comes down here. We knew we had to be on top of our game.”

The Tancred Stakes history includes legendary fights like Octagonal over Arkady in 1997 and Makybe Diva by Grand Armee in 2005 – this one joins the top tier.

Aeliana at $1.70 favourite triumphed by a short head over the $3.60 Dubai Honour, Vauban ($7) trailing by close to five lengths for third.

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McDonald notched his 10th Group 1 this term, far from simple.

“I had to be pretty patient on Aeliana because I learned a bit on her the other day,” McDonald said.

“I thought even though it wasn’t ideal letting them get so far in front, I had confidence that the mare would pick him up.

“Once she balances up, then she finds.”

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McDonald noted a preference for cover yet adapted to Marquand’s bold lead.

“It wasn’t my plan to give him so much of a head start, but I just waited and waited for her to be ready and when she was ready she just exploded,” he said.

“At the 300m, I could feel her building underneath me. I just felt if I went earlier, I would’ve been out of my comfort zone. It was a chance I was willing to take and I’m glad it paid off.”

The tactic from Marquand was calculated.

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“We kind of knew what would happen if we just sat and did what we normally do,” he said.

“We tried something different and it nearly worked, but the filly was very good.”

Issy Paul, assistant to Dubai Honour’s team abroad, agreed.

“It’s disappointing to lose but he’s run a great race. I’m very proud of him.”

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Star Thoroughbreds’ Denise Martin secured Aeliana for $180,000; she has six victories in 18, three Group 1s, over $4.3 million earned.

With the Ranvet Stakes already banked, this Group 1 double raises options for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.

“She’s had two solid runs, we’ll see how the Queen Elizabeth fits in,” Waller said.

“She’ll be here for another two years so there’s plenty to look forward to. Who knows, she might be the next Verry Elleegant.”

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Dubai Honour eyes that race too, his famous success three years ago.

“By English standards it’s a quick turnaround, but that’s the plan,” Paul confirmed.

Explore sports betting options for the Tancred Stakes and more at reliable betting sites.

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7-Time WWE Champion Wrestled In His Last Match at WrestleMania 42

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Kurt Angle has confirmed that a major WWE Superstar is now retired. The aforementioned star was in action at WrestleMania 42.

Night Two of WrestleMania 42 kicked off with a singles match between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi, where the latter picked up the win inside five minutes. After the loss, Lesnar left his gloves and boots in the ring before embracing Paul Heyman and bidding an emotional farewell to the fans, leaving everyone speculating that he’s done with in-ring competition.

Kurt Angle, who was one of Brock’s fiercest opponents back in the day, took to X to reflect on the shocking turn of events. The Olympic Gold medalist confirmed that the Beast Incarnate is indeed retired.

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“Love you my brother. There will only be one like you. Enjoy retirement Brock.”


Brock Lesnar picked Oba Femi as his WWE WrestleMania 42 opponent

Fans had been salivating at the thought of Brock Lesnar facing Oba Femi ever since the latter made his main roster debut. WWE fulfilled their wishes as the two powerhouses squared off at WrestleMania 42 in an enthralling bout. It was reported after the match that it was The Beast Incarnate’s choice to face Oba in what looks to be his final WWE match.

Oba Femi was in high spirits after the match. The Ruler was present on the WrestleMania 42 post-show, where he addressed his win, noting that he has nullified 25 years of dominance from Brock Lesnar:

“It feels amazing, because it’s one thing to tell everybody what you are, and another to show everybody exactly what you are. I took 25 years of history, 25 years of dominance from the Beast and made it null, because I am what I say I am. The Ruler, the Destroyer, the Bringer of War, Oba Femi!”

There is still no confirmation from WWE regarding Brock Lesnar’s retirement. The Beast Incarnate could still swerve the fans and return to action down the line. However, his actions at WrestleMania 42 indicate that he has, indeed, donned his wrestling boots for the last time.