Lundy's Liability, Petit Paris, and Little Jim, all four-year-olds, battled on the front end the whole way, going the initial quarter in 25.37, the half in 48.56, six furlongs in 1:12.64. The threesome was much the class of the field, which they showed as they pulled away from the rest of the competition through the lane, getting the mile in 1:37.40. Lundy's Liability shook off his pursuers in the final strides, winning by 3/4 length ahead of Petit Paris in 1:50.83. It was another 3/4 back to Little Jim, but a widening 3 3/4 lengths back to Jack Sullivan, the first three-year-old under the wire.
Winning trainer Mike de Kock said, "We thought we would run very well. He improves with every start."
Jerry Bailey, aboard second place finisher Petit Paris, said, "He made the lead on his own power, then the horse who finished third (Little Jim) came after me in the middle of the race, which did not help my chances. But my horse showed real courage."
Ted Durcan, aboard third place finisher Little Jim said, "He has run a blinder. We had the run of the race. He might be better at a mile as he is a big long striding horse."
The Godolphin Mile attracted a field of nine to go 1600 meters for a purse of $1 million. Local hope Firebreak won his second consecutive try in this event, stalking the early pace of During through a half in 47.82, then taking over on the turn and drawing away to win by 4 1/2 lengths over late-running Tropical Star in second. The time was 1:35.82 over the fast track. It was another 2 3/4 lengths back to Excessivepleasure in third. Bob Baffert trainee During faded in the stretch to finish fifth.
Winning jockey Frankie Dettori said, "That was brilliant, he is a very honest horse. We knew he was our best chance on the night and he won like one."
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said, "Firebreak is better than ever. He has been a good servant to Godolphin. Frankie ran him a bit more patient, because there was plenty of pace. He might go back on turf to the Lockinge Stakes in May."
Jon Court, aboard third place finisher Excessivepleasure, said, "He usually breaks right in front but this time he broke up in the air. We were behind horses and we had to improvise. We got a strong rally down the lane and finishing third is a good paycheck."
Jerry Bailey, aboard beaten favorite During, said, "He was in a good position and he just died in my hands."
The opening race of the evening was the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for purebred Arabians, over 2000 meters with a purse of $250,000. Kaolino stalked the early pace of Daffaq through six furlongs in 1:20.40, then drew away from the competition to win by 3 1/4 lengths in a time of 2:16.42 over late-running Jiyush. It was another 3 3/4 lengths back to Van Nistelrooy in third.
On to the rest of the card
Back to the Dubai World Cup
Dubai World Cup Links:
- Results Charts for the card from Emirates Racing Association
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- Free Past Performances for the World Cup from DRF.
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- Current Odds for the World Cup from Ladbrokes
- Official Site
- 2003 Dubai World Cup results and photos
- 2002 Dubai World Cup results and photos
- Past Year's Results
