(MENAFN-Khaleej Times) silvestre de sousa hailed his horse african story and the godolphin team after he won the us$10m dubai world cup here at meydan on saturday night
African story races to dubai world cup victory at the meydan race course on saturday. — kt photo by shihab
The brazilian jockey trailed the eventual runner-up mukhadram approaching the turn for home down the straight. however once he got to work the seven-year-old gelding responded superbly to surge two and three-quarter lengths ahead prior to breaking the track record in 2:01.61s.
“that was great. i’ve just had an amazing feeling” de sousa said. “he’s just proven he’s the best. he was unlucky early on in his first run and he was very unlucky last time as well but he’s just proven he’s the boy!
“saeed (bin suroor) thought african story was a great horse. he had a couple of issues especially on his second start this year but tonight he was at his absolute best. “in fact i had to pinch myself because of how well he was travelling. i got to track the leader on his outside and then in the straight – all i had to do was take aim. it really was the perfect race for me.
“we did it! it’s the whole team – it’s not only me. it’s saeed (bin suroor) and brian (powell) the assistant trainer. it’s everybody involved. it’s just a team effort. we’ve had a bit of a hard luck story early on with the races but we’ve just saved the night!
“in my first season i managed 25 winners and then i missed out on the championship by just four. “obviously this is a big move in my career riding for godolphin. there is pressure but – at the same time – i think i have shown that i have given my best and that there may still be more to come.”
African story’s godolphin stable-mate cat o mountain overcame a wide stall draw to take third place ahead of side glance in fourth. hong kong runner akeed mofeed was fifth with last year’s dwc runner-up red cadeaux back in sixth position. sanshaawes (seventh) followed them past the post and vancouverite (eighth) and prince bishop (ninth) ensured all four of godolphin’s challengers finished inside the top 10 overall.
The well-fancied duo of military attack and ruler of the world finished well down the field in 10th and 13th respectively. they were split by the japanese raider belshazzar (11th) and saudi representative ron the greek (12th). hillstar and surfer trailed in 14th and 15th.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.