Frankie Dettori flies high again with 24th World Cup night winner aboard Raging Torrent

Dubai: Frankie Dettori showcased his trademark flying dismount once again at Meydan after Raging Torrent gave the legendary jockey his eighth Godolphin Mile win during the Dubai World Cup meeting on Saturday.

American Grade 1 winner Raging Torrent handed trainer Doug O'Neill a second consecutive victory in the $1,000,000 Group 2 Godolphin Mile Sponsored By EMAAR, and his third overall. The four-year-old colt turned away the pace-pressing Mufasa with less than 400 metres to go, before comfortably holding off France’s King Gold and Japan’s Kazu Petrin.

Breaking smartly from a middle gate, Raging Torrent quickly settled into stride and assumed the lead, but was soon joined on his outside by American import Mufasa, who was making his UAE debut for Bhupat Seemar and RRR Racing — winners of this event two years ago with Isolate.

Settling into a strong rhythm through the middle stages, Raging Torrent was asked for more turning into the home straight. He appeared to be travelling best of the two battling for the lead, pinched a winning break, and crossed the line in 1:36.69 — sealing Dettori’s 24th Dubai World Cup night winner.

“He’s such a lovely horse and he did the rest,” Dettori said. “You need the horse to lead like he did — he was quick away and I was able to do my own fractions. In fairness, he’s always been a sprinter in America, so I was thinking of that — I didn’t want to kick too early.”

O’Neill added: “I was confident, but that’s why you run these races — you never know. He had a good, clean break, got the lead, got a little breather mid-race. Speed was always going to be his strength. I’m on cloud nine and I’ve got to thank everyone here.”

Reflecting on his record in Dubai, Dettori said: “Eight Godolphin Miles — that’s a hell of a record. I think it’s fair to say I grew up here. It’s great satisfaction coming back and winning — and hopefully I can win the World Cup again.”

King Gold, ridden by Adrie de Vries; Kazu Petrin, with Cristian Demuro aboard; and Steal Sunshine, partnered by Christophe Lemaire, all finished behind Raging Torrent.