America’s superstar thoroughbred Arrogate confirmed his status as the world’s best racehorse with a breathtaking performance in the Dubai World Cup at Meydan racecourse.
Sent off a three to one on favourite, the four-year-old colt broke out last from stall nine in the hands of Mike Smith.
Still some eight lengths off the leader on the sweeping turn for home, Arrogate swooped past his rivals and picked up fellow American challenger Gun Runner just over a furlong out.
He drew away from the runner-up to win the $4.8 million first prize by two and a quarter lengths.
Smith partnered the son of Unbridled’s Song to a dramatic success in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, when he fended off last year’s winner of this race California Chrome.
Two months later he pulverised his opposition in the inaugural running of what is now the world’s richest horse race the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park.
“I immediately thought of Zenyatta. When I got away that bad I thought you know what I’ve got so much confidence in this horse I’m going to ride him like Zenyatta,” reflected Smith.
“Things happen for a reason thank the lord we got the job done. This horse can do anything, he can do 22 on the lead come from dead last they can go fast they can go dead slow.
“It’s like he hadn’t even taken a breath. My outrider here said he hasn’t seen anything like it and I know he’s seen a lot of good horses.”
It’s like he hadn’t even taken a breath
For his trainer Bob Baffert, he now adds to his two previous successes in the race. Those came with Silver Charm in 1998 and three years later with Captain Steve.
Baffert said: “It wasn’t supposed to happen like that. Mike Smith did a tremendous job he didn’t panic. It goes to show you how great he is.
“I have to admit, I have my heart doctor here and for a few moments I was on red alert. If anyone in racing wasn’t super impressed with that, well they must be seriously missing something.”
