News and STORIES

Mystic Guide Wins Dubai World Cup; Mishriff Claims Dubai Sheema Classic

Author: Ryan Knuppel

Published: Monday March 29, 2021

The thoroughbred season's wealthiest race day took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, with just over $27 million in the prize pot. There were wins for three American-trained horses at Meydan, with Mystic Guide claiming success in the featured race of the meeting.

Mishriff was one of the stars of the afternoon, winning the Dubai Sheema Classic, while there was a tragic end to the conclusion of the Dubai Golden Shaheen.

Mystic Guide Wins Dubai World Cup

The featured race of the meeting brought the enthralling day of action to a close. American-trained Mystic Guide was able to claim the win in the Dubai World Cup, the world's richest race, with $12 million in the prize purse.

It was a fantastic display by the favorite in the betting, as the 4-year-old tracked the leaders before finally making his move for the line with two furlongs remaining.

Luis Saez was able to ride out the race with the Godolphin-owned horse to win by 3 3/4 lengths from Chuwa Wizard. Hopes had been high to see the Michael Stidham-trained horse, as he picked up a six-length victory in the Razorback Handicap in his prep run ahead of his trip to Meydan.

Mishriff Victorious In Dubai Sheema Classic

Mishriff made an exciting return to the track at Meydan in the final race on the turf on Saturday. The 4-year-old was considered a leading contender for the Dubai Sheema Classic, but many believed that the shorter distance would have favored one of his rivals.

However, the John Gosden-trained horse was in excellent form, as he won for the second race in a row and claimed victory for the fifth time in six.

Mishriff was happy to sit towards the rear of the field before the last couple of furlongs when he raced clear to win from Chrono Genesis. The Japanese-trained horse finished second by a neck, with Loves Only You a further place back. Mogul, who started as the favorite, finished well back in seventh.

Extravagant Kid Claims Al Quoz Sprint

There was more success for American trainers earlier in the afternoon, as Extravagant Kid stormed up to take the lead in the Al Quoz Sprint in the final furlong. Ryan Moore rode the winner as he finished half a length clear of Final Song.

Acklam Express finished a place further back in third, while Equilateral was impressive, finishing fourth under the mount of Frankie Dettori.

Heartache After Big-Priced Winner in Dubai Golden Shaheen

There was sadness on the track following a pulsating performance in the Dubai Golden Shaheen. Zenden defied 40/1 odds to set a new track record over six furlongs for trainer Carlos A David.

However, there was immediate sadness after the 5-year-old was humanely euthanized after suffering a compound fracture to his left front leg. David spoke after and stated that he was "devastated" by the news.