Riyadh: Bahrain completed a stunning back-to-back double at Riyadh when 50/1 outsider Dark Power benefited from a typically confident ride from Frankie Dettori to win the Sprint Cup.
James Doyle, aboard the Charlie Appleby-trained Mubtasim, had snatched the first run to the judge but was mowed down close to the finish by Dark Power.
Appleby had to settle for a 2-3 finish in the sprint with Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort winner at Meydan running on for third place ahead of Irish challenger Speak in Colors, the mount of Wayne Lordan.
Winning trainer Alan Smith, who has virtually made Bahrain his home for over 25 years, was delighted with his stable star’s performance and quickly credited his team for the victory.
“This is for the team, they have worked so hard to keep the horse fit and fresh,” he said. “I’m getting on a bit, so it’s very rewarded to have a good team behind you and the support from the owner Sheikh Issa and his Al Adiyat Racing Stable”
Purse: $1million (4YO plus, 14 run) 1,200m Turf
Dark Power (Alan Smith) Frankie Dettori
Mubtasim (Charlie Appley James Doyle
Glorious Journey (Charlie Appleby) William Buick
Speak in Colors (Joseph O’Brien) Wayne Lordan
Also ran: Suedois, Legends of War, Momkin, Ghoul, Larchmont Lad, Royal Intervention, Sir Dancealot, Holy Day, King Malpic, Graignes.
Winning distances: ½ length, 2, 3 ½.
Winning time: 62.16 secs
