Thrills, surprises in Dubai World Cup card highlight international racing

The 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup, held on March 26, 2022, at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, lived up to its reputation as one of the most exciting and prestigious events in international horse racing. With a total prize money of $35 million, it attracted some of the best horses and jockeys from around the world.

In the main event, the $12 million Dubai World Cup, the favorite My Gallant from Japan, ridden by Yutaka Take, was expected to dominate the race. However, a longshot named Mishriff, trained by John Gosden from the United Kingdom and ridden by Frankie Dettori, shocked the crowd by winning by a length and a quarter. Mishriff, a 14-1 shot, became the first British-trained winner of the Dubai World Cup since Desert King in 2004.

Another major upset occurred in the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic, where the favorite Magical from Ireland was beaten by a nose by the American-trained pair of Higher Power and Christophe Soumillon. Higher Power, trained by Chad Brown, won by a nose over Christophe Soumillon and Magical, who finished third.

In the $2 million Godolphin Mile, the favorite was the American-trained Raging Bull, but the race was won by another longshot, the South African-trained Almsharoon, ridden by Tadhg O'Shea. Almsharoon paid $101.20 for a $2 win bet, providing a significant payday for many in the crowd.

The $1 million Dubai Gold Cup saw a thrilling finish as well, with the favorite, the French-trained Al Aasy, losing by a nose to the American-trained pair of Masteroffoxhounds and Irad Ortiz Jr. Masteroffoxhounds won by a nose over Al Aasy, who finished second, with Irad Ortiz Jr. winning his third race of the day.

The $2 million Dubai Turf saw a dominant performance by the favorite Artorius from France, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, who won by a length and a quarter over the American-trained pair of Modern Games and Irad Ortiz Jr.

In the $1 million Dubai Duty Free, the favorite was the American-trained pair of A'Ali and Irad Ortiz Jr., but they finished second and third respectively. The race was won by the Irish-trained pair of Althiqa and Pat Dobbs, who paid $112 for a $2 win bet, providing another significant payday for many in the crowd.

The $1 million Dubai Gold Falcon was won by the American-trained pair of Drain the Clock and Joel Rosario, who won by a length over the favorite, the South African-trained pair of Gimmethegreenlight and Jockey William Buick.

In the $1 million Dubai Kahayla Classic, the favorite was the American-trained pair of Candy Tycoon and Jockey Christophe Lemaire, but they finished second and third respectively. The race was won by the French-trained pair of Al Khaldi and Mickael Barzalona, who paid $132 for a $2 win bet, providing yet another significant payday for many in the crowd.

Overall, the Dubai World Cup card provided more than its share of upsets and thrills, with longshots winning several races and providing significant paydays for many in the crowd. The event showcased the best of international horse racing and solidified its position as one of the most exciting and prestigious events on the global racing scene.