Sport

Dettori strikes

Dubai Millennium crushed his rivals from the front in a new course record time in the world's richest prize, the Dubai World …

Mon Mar 27 2000 - 01:00

Dubai Millennium crushed his rivals from the front in a new course record time in the world's richest prize, the Dubai World Cup, at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday.

The Godolphin charge lived up to the pre-race hype and more, although it was hard to believe that he would last the pace as he appeared to be running freely.

However the apple of Sheikh Mohammed's eye looked every inch the wonder horse under Frankie Dettori.

Perhaps the home support had a galvanising effect, as Dubai Millennium simply left his rivals clutching at shadows in the desert night.

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As no one so much as got a look in, with Dubai Millenium waltzing away from the American star, Behrens, to win unchallenged by six lengths.

Frankie Dettori, having at last broken his hoodoo in the first leg of the World Racing Series Championship, was lavish in his praise.

He said: "Dubai Millennium is unbelievable. I think he is the best horse I have ridden. The natural speed and talent he has got is frightening."

Simon Crisford, the Godolphin spokesman, added: Suprisingly he is equally good on turf as he is on dirt and Sheikh Mohammed is keen to establish him as the first champion on both surfaces.

"The Breeders' Cup Classic is the ultimate goal and it looks like we'll start at Royal Ascot with the Prince of Wales's Stakes."

The two British hopefuls, Running Stag and Lear Spear, were seventh and ninth. A position which the former had also filled the previous year.

Saeed bin Suroor, the winning trainer, also annexed the UAE Derby with the impressive classic prospect China Visit (now as low as 4 to 1 for the 2,000 Guineas) and the Dubai Duty Free with Rhythm Band.

Rhythm Band was ridden by the UAE champion jockey elect, Ted Durcan. The 27-year-old from Co Mayo also won the opening Godolphin Mile on Conflict.

He said: "After the season I've had it is quite unbelievable to have won at the world's biggest meeting."

Kieren Fallon, successful in the 1999 Dubai Sheema Classic on Fruits of Love, repeated the feat on Michael Stoute's Fantastic Light.

Fantastic Light showed his rivals a clean pair of his heels by powering three lengths clear of the 1998 Derby winner HighRise. His was the sole European success story.