Elvstroem makes racing history on big night

Multiple Group One winner Elvstroem made racing history when he won the Dubai Duty Free (Gr 1) to become the first Australian horse to win a race on Dubai World Cup night.

Nash Rawiller brought out the best from the 4-year-old Danehill colt which left form analysts scratching their heads.

Despite four Group One wins, including one over Australia's top mare Makybe Diva, questions were raised over the colt's form after he finished fourth to Makybe Diva in the Australian Cup before making his Dubai trip.

However, yesterday his performance was from the top drawer and trainer Tony Vasil achieved a great win for the racing fraternity from Down Under.

Before Elvstroem, some of Australia's top runners which came to the Dubai World Cup day and returned empty-handed and they included Danewin, Juggler, Bomber Bill, Belle Du Jour, Dantelah and Notoire. Belle Du Jour's fourth in the Golden Shaheen, two years ago, was their best until yesterday.

"Elvstroem has done Australia proud," said an elated Vasil, who said his champion's next stop could be Hong Kong. "If at all there was a horse that could do it, it was Elvstroem. He has a great temperament and demeanour," said the Aussie.

Vasil said," Hong Kong is an option and it depends on how he is tonight. WE are also keen to run him in the Lockinge Stakes, Prince of Wales Stakes and Coral Eclipse Stakes."

"Right from the time he jumped out well, he controlled the race," said the winning jockey Nash.

Doug O'Neill's Whilly finished nearly three lengths behind the winner with defending champion and top favourite Right Approach in third place.

Irish-bred Whilly has been improving since being transferred to the barn of Calfornian O'Neill, with victories in three of his past four starts.

Felipe Martinez, who rode Whilly said: "I got him nice and relaxed. I thought he could go by the other horses at any time. I was just unlucky."

Local favourite Alkaadhem finished a brave fourth. "He ran a great race. They walked early and he ran bravely. The race just lacked a good pace and he ran well," said Richard Hills who was pleased with his horse's effort.

Godolphin's Sights On Gold finished right at the back. "He just got tired at the end. It turned out to be a sprint and that's what he doesn't like," said Dettori, who then went off to sit and watch the Dubai World Cup being won by Roses in May.

Result

$2 million Dubai Duty Free (Gr 1)
Sponsored by Dubai Duty Free
Thoroughbreds, 4yo+, Turf:

Distances: 2.75 lengths, 1L, 0.25L
Winning time: 1:50.54