Dullahan coming back for Pacific Classic

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Del Mar, CA (Sports Network) - Reigning Pacific Classic winner Dullahan will return to Del Mar on Aug. 25 to defend to title in the 1 1/4-mile stakes. Owner Jerry Crawford e-mailed the track this week to confirm.

"Dullahan will defend his title at the Pacific Classic," Crawford, president of Donegal Racing confirmed in an e-mail earlier this week.

"Dullahan's win last year was one of the greatest wins ever by Donegal Racing and we are eager to defend the crown. Being able to run against Game On Dude, one of the best horses in the world, adds to the attraction."

Trained by Dale Romans, Dullahan was third is last week's Arlington Handicap run over Arlington Park's turf course.

"We used the Arlington Handicap as a prep race for Dullahan and he showed he is nearing peak condition in that race." Crawford wrote. "Except for Rahystrada "swerving sharply" in front of Dullahan (as the chart described it) he would have won the race easily.

"We were thrilled to see Dullahan returning to his own self after the grueling trip to Dubai where he became quite ill."

The 4-year-old colt was 11th behind Animal Kingdom in the $10 million Dubai World Cup. Earlier in March, he was also 11th in another stakes in Dubai.