Monterosso takes Dubai Cup
Monterosso won the $10-million Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, handing the ruler of Dubai an emotional victory after one of his horses was euthanized earlier Saturday.
Monterosso, who finished third last year, also gave a much-needed confidence boost to Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s stables, which had not won the race since 2006. All four of their horses were longshots.
Capponi grabbed the lead coming into the straight only to see Monterosso bolt past and beat his stablemate by three lengths. Planteur, ridden by Ryan Moore, was another half-length behind. Monterosso jockey Mickael Barzalona stood up in his saddle and raised his arm long before he crossed the finish line.
The favorite So You Think and last year’s runner-up Transcend grabbed the early lead out of the gate. The Bill Mott- trained filly Royal Delta joined the leaders only to fade, as did Game On Dude ridden by Chantal Sutherland, who made history as the first female jockey in the race, held in the United Arab Emirates. Transcend also dropped back, finishing last.
So You Think finished fourth, the Japanese star Smart Falcon 10th, and the third choice Game on Dude 12th in the 13-horse field.
The poor finish for Game On Dude capped a traumatic week that started with his trainer, Bob Baffert, suffering a heart attack after he arrived in Dubai. He was released only at the end of the week. His other horse, The Factor, finished sixth in the $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen.
“Tough day but so happy to be outdoors again enjoying the sport I love,” Baffert tweeted.
Sutherland said Game On Dude struggled in the gate. She blamed the all-weather surface for his poor performance.
Take Charge Indy is headed to the Kentucky Derby, and beat a Triple Crown favorite to get there.
Going to the front out of the gate and staying there virtually every step of the way, Take Charge Indy took advantage of a speed-favoring track and won the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach — beating heavily favored Union Rags, who managed to only finish third.
With three-time Kentucky Derby winner Calvin Borel aboard, Take Charge Indy finished the 11⁄ mile in 1:48.79. Longshot Reveron was second, holding off Union Rags.