Racing: Master rider Dettori finds gap to land richest race

DUBAI - The No 1 barrier draw looked a problem for Electrocutionist in the world's richest horse race, the US$6 million ($9.8 million) Dubai World Cup, and it nearly beat him.

Rider Frankie Dettori admitted later he thought he was no chance to win the famous race as close as 200m from the finish.

Dettori had to concede the two lengths he knew he would have to give away to his opposition when he jumped away and had to pick a path through the field for much of the race.

The Godolphin-owned Electrocutionist drove through from behind a wall of horses in the home straight to land racing's greatest prize.

It was a fifth victory in 11 runnings of the 10 furlong (2km) event for Godolphin, brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai.

Electrocutionist was the 5-4 favourite in London betting before the race.

"I didn't breathe for two minutes," said Dettori, who claimed it was one of his most nerve-racking races.

"I was not travelling as well as Yutake [Take on the Japanese runner Kane Hekili] in front. I found a gap at the 1200m pole and took it with both hands and then when I had to switch him he lost some energy and ground.

"I didn't think I could win until really late because I couldn't shake off Brass Hat."

Electrocutionist drove past the Buff Bradley-trained Brass Hat only in the last 75m and went on to win by one and a half lengths.

Bradley was delighted even though beaten. "Everyone now knows he's one of the best."

Rider Willie Martinez said: "I'm so proud of what Brass Hat has done for us. He spotted the winner and he kept coming back."

Former New Zealand galloper Russian Pearl, now trained in Hong Kong, finished ninth in the US$5 million Dubai Duty Free (1777m), two places behind star Australian veteran Fields Of Omagh.

The race was won by David Junior, trained by Brian Meehan and ridden by Jamie Spencer.

The race Xcellent was to have contested, the US$5 million Dubai Sheema Classic, was won by the Japanese representative Heart's Cry, owned by Shadai Race Horse company. It was the second occasion the race had been won by Japan.

Remarkably, Heart's Cry had not raced for three months. Trainer Kojiro Hashiguchi said he was looking to take Heart's Cry to the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in England.

- AGENCIES