African Story surges to win Dubai World Cup

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (SportsNetwork.com) – African Story, onwed by Godolphin Racing of Dubai, surged through the stretch to capture Saturday’s 19th edition of the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse.

Trained by Saeed bin Suroor and ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, African Story stalked the pace being set by Mukhadram in the 1 1/4-mile stakes. Mukhadram had the lead around the final turn and into the stretch with African Story moving into second in the 16-horse field.

African Story, bred in Great Britain, moved ever closer to Mukhadram down the stretch and drew even with the leader approaching the furlong pole. African Story assumed the lead with less than 200 yards to run and drove to the finish and posted a three-length win over Mukhadram.

Finishing third was Cat O’Mountain and Side Glance, third in last year’s Arlington Million, was fourth.

The time for the World Cup was 2:01.63 on Meydan’s synthetic main track.

African Story collected $6 million with the victory, the sixth for Godolphin in the World Cup. The 7-year-old chestnut gelding has career earnings of more than $7.4 million with seven wins in 18 starts.

Saeed bin Suroor has also trained six World Cup winners. Two years ago Godolphin won the race with Monterosso who was trained by Al Zarooni.

African Story paid $36.80 and $12.60. Mukhadram paid $16.60 and Cat O’Mountain returned $22.60.

Categorized in: Horses