US Horse of the Year Curlin wins $6million Dubai World Cup
US Horse of the Year Curlin took an easy victory in the $6million 2008 Dubai World Cup on Saturday, 29 March.
The Steve Asmussen-trained four-year-old won by a record-breaking seven-and-three-quarter lengths, topping Dubai Millennium’s previous record of a six-length victory in 2000. Curlin was ridden by Robby Albarado.
The 2007 Breeders Cup winner has had eight wins in eleven starts and has won more than $8.8m in prize money for owner Jess Jackson.
Curlin is now third in North America’s all time highest winners – behind Cigar ($9.9m) and Skip Away ($9.6m).
South African trainer Mike De Kock’s Asiatic Boy finished second and third was Well Armed.
As well as training the World Cup runner up, Mike De Kock had further cause to celebrate on the day — taking a fourth UAE Derby with Honour Devil as well as a win with Sun Classique in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
Godolphin’s Jalil was expected to run a good race under Frankie Dettori but finished a disappointing seventh.
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Connections are now giving Curlin a well-deserved rest while they plan his US campaign.
Saturday was the world’s richest day of racing — with seven races worth a total of $21.2m.
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.