The American star Hit Show justified his reputation in spectacular style, putting forth an impressive display to win the 29th Dubai World Cup (G1) at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday evening.
Guided skillfully by French jockey Florent Geroux from Kentucky and coached by Eclipse Award-winner Brad H. Cox, the American gelding took the lead in the homestretch. Even though he drifted towards the end of the race, he still had ample energy remaining.
The victorious show horse surpassed the competition by a distance of one length and seven-eighths, leaving behind all rivals including Mixto, which was steered by accomplished jockey Frankie Dettori who has won the Dubai World Cup four times. This triumph marked a significant victory for the Cox-Geroux duo.
The ante-post favorite Forever Young from Japan demonstrated strong racing condition after securing an impressive victory in the $20 million Saudi Cup barely four weeks prior, closing strongly to finish in third place. Meanwhile, local hopeful Walk of Stars, handled by reigning champion trainer Bhupat Seemar and piloted by renowned French jockey Mickael Barzalona, put up a valiant performance starting from the innermost gate.
The Walk of Stars exhibited strong initial determination and maintained a spirited effort to secure an admirable fourth place in what is considered one of the globe’s wealthiest and most esteemed competitions.
Just moments after steering Hit Show to an incredible win, Geroux was still trying to grasp the magnitude of his accomplishment.
When asked about the moment he realized he had secured the victory, he replied with a grin, saying it was at "the 100-meter mark." His objective wasForever Young, yet even then, the competitor posed little challenge. He added that his mount battled valiantly throughout and always gives him their best effort. Honestly speaking, he mentioned he initially aimed only for a spot within the top four; however, this steed exceeded expectations.
Even though Hit Show has been sluggish at the start of his recent races, he managed to impress everyone, including his jockey, with a powerful finish when it mattered most on the main event day.
This horse isn't exactly sluggish, but recently he has been lagging at the rear for unknown reasons," said Geroux. "Today was no different, yet he felt quite strong under my guidance. I noticed Forever Young didn't seem entirely comfortable trailing me, so I believed I had a solid position. Despite some contact, I discovered an opening on the inside, steered him through it, and he reacted immediately. He provided all his effort to cross the finish line.
For Geroux, a person who has experienced triumph in numerous major competitions across North America—including the Breeders' Cup Classic and Pegasus World Cup—this win stood out as distinctively special.
It's incredible," he stated, his voice laden with feeling. "For a jockey, this is the kind of race you envision winning. Although I've had success at major events in the U.S., competing here in the Dubai World Cup holds a distinct prestige. To come out victorious against Frankie [Dettori], someone I admire greatly and who has triumphed in this event multiple times before, makes it even more rewarding. My joy isn’t diminished because of him; rather, I'm simply elated that I emerged as the winner.
The outcome completed a remarkable evening for American participants, highlighted by sweeping the top two spots in the $12 million main event, and solidified Hit Show’s position amongst the distinguished champions of this legendary competition.
Since the first running of the Dubai World Cup in 1996, which was notably clinched by the renowned horse Cigar, American horses have consistently excelled in this prestigious event, securing victory in 14 editions up to now.
The victor belongs to Wathnan Racing, an equestrian outfit linked to the Emir of Qatar, which has operations in both Doha and Newmarket, UK. This squad secured their finest performance ever at the 2023 Royal Ascot, claiming victories in both the Queen’s Vase and the Gold Cup events.