Well Armed, third in the Dubai World Cup last year, trounced his rivals in astonishing fashion to win the world's richest race by a devastating 14 lengths tonight.
A famous American horse, Cigar, won the first Dubai World Cup in 1996 so it was fitting that another from the United States should win the final renewal of the event at Nad Al Sheba to bookend a piece of racing history and enter the record books with the biggest margin of victory in the race's 14-year history.
Aaron Gryder's mount stormed away in devastating fashion from Gloria de Campeao, with Paris Perfect and Muller some four lengths further back in third and fourth.
The race had been billed as a match between Albertus Maximus and Asiatic Boy, runner-up to Curlin 12 months ago, but the anticipated duel never materialised as Asiatic Boy's race was run before he hit the home turn and Albertus Maximus, with Group 1 victories over a mile to his name, clearly did not stay the extra two furlongs.
But even if he had found the legs to go all the way, there was no guarantee he could have caught the winner who cruised into an early lead, opened up a gap by the final turn and simply went powered further and further away as Gryder coolly rode out hands and heels to the winning post.
Gryder said: “This horse has showed the world just how good he really is.
“It's an honour to win the last ever race at Nad Al Sheba.
“I liked the way he settled this year. I dropped the reins and he wasted no energy.
“This is an unbelievable experience - I'm so blessed and I love this game.''
Trainer Eoin Harty said: “I thought my best advantage was to put him in the lead and try to win the race from there. That is what we worked in training over the past few days and it paid off.
“Last year he was collared midway down the straight by Curlin, but there was no real Curlin in the race this year.''
Gryder added: “I didn't even have to steer him. He knew his way round. They tell me it was 14 lengths, so I'll have to believe it!''
Result
Dubai World Cup (Group 1, 2000m) 9.30 pm
1. Well Armed (A Gryder)
2. Gloria De Campeao (J Leme)
3. Paris Perfect (B Faydherbe)
4. Muller (W Marwing)
Winning distance: 14 lengths.
