Dubai: Jockey Kerrin McEvoy is ruing a 'bump' at the start that cost Elusive Warning a chance of winning the $1 million (Dh3.75 million) Godolphin Mile (Gr 2).
The four-year-old broke well but was squeezed when attempting to secure a good position. As a result McEvoy was forced back and had to come all the way around the 14 runner field to make his run.
Elusive Warning finished strongly but could not rein in American raider Diamond Stripes.
McEvoy commented: "He ran really good and if everything had gone right he might have got a bit closer to the winner. I just got a bit of a bump shortly after the start and was a bit further back than I wanted to be."
Godolphin have won this race seven times in the past, including two wins by Firebreak in 2003-04.
Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Surour also felt that with better luck Elusive Warning may have won.
"He had to run a longer distance than the others after being squeezed at the start," explained the trainer. "He ran a big race, but it was too much to ask of him.
Frustrating
"I'm happy with his performance, but I wish we had a little more luck."
Godolphin were also represented by Blackat Blackitten, the race favourite, who finished sixth.
Frankie Dettori, his rider, said: "He needs an outside draw so I knew I was on the wrong one as soon as they announced the draw. It is frustrating as he is a horse with so much potential."
Bin Surour said he was disappointed by Blackat Blackitten.
