Abu Dhabi: The 2006 World Cup belonged to home team Godolphin as Electrocutionist stole the show by beating some of the best from the strong international field.
Among the Americans in the race were Donn Handicap winner Brass Hat, 2004 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Wilko and Japanese flag bearer Kane Hekili.
As the field headed down the straight, Electrocutionist was in the mid-division with Brass Hat upfront. Electrocutionist then caught up with the American pace setting trio Wilko, Magna Graduate and Super Frolic. Thereafter the battle to the line was between three horses — Brass Har, Electrocutionist and Wilko. With 70 yards to go, jockey Frankie Dettori made his move and Electrocutionist ran right by Brass Hat to win by 1 1/2 lengths in a time of 2:01.32 for the 2000 metres over a fast track. Another three lengths back was Wilko in third, and another 2 3/4 to Magna Graduate in fourth.
“I didn’t breathe for two minutes. I was not travelling as well as Yutaka (Take on Kane Hekili) in front. I found a gap and the 5/8 pole and took it with both hands. I then had to switch him and lost some energy and ground. It was a great performance and is great for Godolphin and the whole team. I did not think I could win until I was 30 yards out as I could not shake off Brass Hat,” said jockey Dettori after his triumph.
Despite losing the battle at the line, Buff Bradley was all praise for Bass Hat saying: “He ran a great race. Everybody knows that he’s one of the best now. “Willie Martinez aboard Brass Hat said, “He spotted that other horse [Electrocutionist] and he was coming back. What a race; what can I say? It’s just hit me now. I’m so proud of what Brass Hat has done for us. It’s very overwhelming. We had a great experience and we’d love to come back next year.”
Electrocutionist won eight of his 12 career starts, including three Group Ones, and won more than $5.6 million (Dh20.57 million). He was owned by Earle Mack and trained in Italy by Valfredo Valiani before being bought by Godolphin. Electrocutionist raced four times for the Dubai-based stable but six months after the World Cup triumph he died of an apparent heart attack, several days after an abnormality was detected in the 5-year-old horse’s heart.
