DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Prince Bishop pulled away from race favourite California Chrome on the home straight to win the $10 million Dubai World Cup by two and three-quarter lengths on Saturday.
Starting from the rail, William Buick rode Prince Bishop to the horse’s first victory on dirt, at his fourth attempt at the world’s richest horse race.
Buick said he felt numb.
“I can’t express what I am feeling right now,” he said. “It’s very surreal. We were detached last, but ended up traveling very well in the last turn. I didn’t look back, but I imagine we won well because I could hear the commentator. I feel a bit numb at the moment, but I’m sure when I get home and relax it will sink in.”
The eight-year-old Prince Bishop was bred in Ireland, but has been trained by Saeed bin Suroor in the Emirates. He beat the Art Sherman-trained favourite on Meydan Racecourse’s new dirt track.
In third place came another American, Lea, who was saddled by William Mott, the U.S trainer who led Cigar to victory at the inaugural Dubai World Cup in 1996.
California Chrome, the U.S. horse of the year, has not won on dirt since the Preakness Stakes last year. The four-year-old 2014 Kentucky Derby winner, ridden by Victor Espinoza, was running in second behind Hokko Tarumae going into the final leg, but could not keep pace when Prince Bishop attacked.
Earlier, Christophe Soumillon rode Dolniya to victory in the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic, having earlier won the $2 million UAE Derby atop Mubtaahij, the 4-year-old Irish-bred colt.
