“Only at the 100 metres did I think I could win,” admitted jockey Florent Geroux after pulling off one of the most dramatic comebacks in Dubai World Cup history.
In a race full of twists, it was Wathnan Racing’s Hit Show who delivered the final, breathtaking act – surging past rivals in the dying strides to claim the US$12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates at Meydan.
I’ll be honest with you, I was running for a place and he gave me more. Forever Young was my target but he wasn’t travelling. My horse just runs for me – he’s amazing.
The five-year-old, trained by Brad Cox, was buried in mid-pack for much of the race, needing to find nearly 10 lengths in the final 500 metres. But under an ice-cool Geroux, Hit Show sliced through the field, taking a decisive split between Katonah and Imperial Emperor before angling inside Wilson Tesoro and storming home to victory – his first at the top level overseas.
It was a race that looked destined to be between pace-setter Walk of Stars and seasoned campaigner Mixto, ridden by the legendary Frankie Dettori, who seemed to have timed his move to perfection. But Hit Show had other plans.
There’s good prize money for second! He ran superb. He was underrated but he’s a warrior. I had the perfect trip – just a shame he got caught on the line.
Forever Young, the Saudi Cup hero and hot favourite to complete a rare Middle East double, never found his rhythm on the night. Though he rallied late to finish third, both jockey Ryusei Sakai and trainer Yoshito Yahagi admitted the colt was unsettled.
He wasn’t travelling at all. It was a tough race and hard to keep winning.
Cox, who was stateside focusing on his Derby hopefuls, praised his team and the horse’s adaptability.
We always knew the further the better for him. He’s classy, he ships well, and now he’s a Dubai World Cup winner. I still can’t quite believe it.
Hit Show’s stunning victory also earns him an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar later this year – and judging by the way he finished, he’ll be one to watch on the global stage.
Final Placings:
1. Hit Show
2. Mixto
3. Forever Young
4. Walk of Stars
5. Il Miracolo
As the dust settles in Dubai, Hit Show’s late run will be remembered as a masterclass in patience, timing and determination – a true showstopper on the world’s richest stage.
