March 23, 2006
Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum's Electrocutionist won one for the home team in the world's richest horse race, the $6,000,000 Dubai World Cup (Group 1), at Ned Al Sheba Racecourse on Saturday, defeating a strong international field.
Electrocutionist was in mid-division as the field headed down the straight with Brass Hat up front. Electrocutionist made strong progress at the 1/4 pole to circle the pace-setting American tri of Wilko, Magna Graduate, and Super Frolic, and with an eighth of a mile to go there was a wall of three horses, Brass Hat, Wilko, and Electrocutionist battling to the line. Electrocutionist dug deep and passed Brass Hat with 70 yards to go, drawing away to a 1 1/4 length win over Brass Hat. It was 3 more lengths to Wilko in third.
Winning jockey Frankie Dettori said, "I didn't breathe for two minutes. I was not traveling as well as Yutaka (Take on Kane Hekili) in front. I found a gap and the 5/8 pole and took it with both hands. I then had to switch him and lost some energy and ground. It was a great performance and is great for Godolphin and the whole team. I did not think I could win until I was 30 years out as I could not shake off Brass Hat."
Buff Bradley, trainer of runner-up Brass Hat said, "He ran a great race. Everybody knows that he's one of the best now."
Willie Martinez aboard Brass Hat said, "He spotted that other horse (Electrocutionist) and he was coming back. What a race; what can I say? It's just hit me now. I'm so proud of what Brass Hat has done for us. It's very overwhelming. We had a great experience and we'd love to come back next year."
Garrett Gomez aboard Wilcox said, "He ran a really good race. The horse gave 130%. I couldn't ask for a much better performance than he gave me other than to win."
