Late flourish sees Prince Bishop claim Dubai World Cup

WilliamBuick - Cropped

Prince Bishop clinched the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday after a late surge saw him finish almost three lengths clear in horse racing's richest race.

The eight-year-old, ridden by William Buick and trained by Saeed Bin Suroor, proved too quick for favourite California Chrome, with another American runner, Lea, a place further back in third.

Kieren Fallon rode Prince Bishop to a ninth-place finish in last year's race and the 14-1 shot did things the hard way this time around on Meydan's dirt surface, having spent much of the race at the back of the field.

With three furlongs remaining, Buick finally launched his late burst, which saw his mount reel in Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome and Lea to hand Bin Suroor his seventh victory in the $10million showpiece.

Victory also represented a fitting success for owner Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the crown prince of Dubai, in the 20th renewal of the world-famous race.

"I can't  believe it," Buick said following his victory. "I want to say thanks to... His Highness Sheikh Hamdan. I can't express what I'm feeling right now. It's surreal."

Earlier in the day, there was also success for former England footballer Michael Owen, whose horse, Brown Panther, claimed the Dubai Gold Cup.

Owen, who co-owns the seven-year-old, was present to watch the victory and said: "He's a superstar in my eyes, he's a talented horse and he's got great courage. We're all very proud of him."

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