‘Dirt superstar’ California Chrome wins Dubai Cup

DUBAI: California Chrome, ridden by Victor Espinoza, sprinted to victory in the $10-million Dubai World Cup on Saturday, beating Mubtaahij in the world’s richest horse race.

Trained by Art Sherman, the 15-8 joint favourite won the 2,000-metre race by 3.75 lengths, despite Espinoza having to battle with a slipping saddle during the ride.

“He likes to run clear of his horses and he doesn’t like to be bumped around. Victor knows him and he did a super job,” trainer Sherman told reporters after the race at the 60,000-capacity Meydan racecourse.

Hoppertunity came third of the 12 runners in the contest.

“We’ve come across a superstar on the dirt, as California Chrome is - fantastic, and I am honoured to run second to him,” Mubtaahij’s trainer Mike de Kock said in televised comments.

A switch to a dirt track last year has helped to attract US horses to the event.

Eight of the 12-horse field were American this year.

De Kock told reporters that he was still optimistic about runner-up Mubtaahij, owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum.

“He certainly is not a horse that I want to give a break to now and I want to keep on with,” he said.

Chrome, who was the favourite last year, but came a surprise second, has been in Dubai for more than two months, whereas last year he arrived just 10 days before the race. The five-year-old is owned by California Chrome LLC and is also the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion.