Dubai-trained Monterosso staged one of the biggest shocks in the history of the
Dubai World Cup (G1) when he outclassed a high-class field to win the 17th
running of the $10 million (Dh36.7 million) contest before a stunned audience.
Trained in the Marmoum ‘Desert' Stables by Mahmoud Al Zarouni, the
five-year-old son of Dubawi stormed home to an easy three-length winner under
sassy French teenage jockey Mickael Barzalona.
Capponi, ridden by Emirati jockey Ahmad Ajtebi and carrying the hopes of a
horse-loving nation, looked like a winner when he took the lead at the three
furlong marker. But he could find no more for his rider, formerly a top camel
jockey in the UAE, before he was reined in by Monterosso.
Planteur completed an unprecedented 1-2-3 finish for horses with UAE
connections when he finished third under Ryan Moore, half a length back.
Reminiscent of his Epsom acrobatics when he won the Derby aboard Pour Moi last
summer, Bazalona stood up in the stirrups and raised his crop triumphantly even
before he crossed the line to a thunderous ovation.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime
Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led the celebrations in the Royal
enclosure and said: "Thank you! Yes it's great. You know we had a chance like
everybody, but now this horse pulled it out and I'm very happy. I know he
[jockey Mickael Barzalona] gave him a great ride. I am so happy, I am so happy."
The Dubai World Cup will be back in the well-stacked Godolphin gallery after
Electrocutionist won the 2006 race.
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