Report: Meydan, Saturday
Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airlines (Group 1) 1m2f, Tapeta
A NIGHT of near misses for Godolphin ended with the ultimate triumph as African Story led home a one-three for Sheikh Mohammed's operation, with his brother Sheikh Hamdan owning the second Mukhadram.
Trained by Saeed Bin Suroor and ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, African Story chased Mukhadram to the top of the straight and stormed clear in the closing stages allowing De Sousa to stand up and celebrate to the crowd.
Mukhardram finished second for William Haggas and Paul Hanagan with Cat O'Mountain third for Charlie Appleby.
On Dubai's big night, Sheikh Mohammed had to have his gracious loser smile on for most of the evening as Cavalryman finished second in the Dubai Gold Cup and several fancied runners ran below par.
However, he will have started to get excited as Mukhadram led the runners into the home straight with African Story poised to strike if good enough.
De Sousa asked his mount for an effort at the top of the home straight and he responded generously, charging clear of Mukhadram and the field.
"He has proved he's the best," said De Sousa." He was very unlucky on his first run this year, and very unlucky last time as well as he banged his head on the gate. Now he's proved he's the boy - we did it!"
Paul Hanagan was thrilled with the performance of Mukhadram, whose ability to handle the surface had been queried by his owner earlier in the week.
"I am so proud of him, he ran his absolute heart out," the jockey said. "He even tried to battle back when the other one came, he is so genuine. It was a great training performance as well after such a long break. I hope that sets him up nicely for the year."
There were several disappointments in the race including favourite Military Attack and Ruler Of The World never landing a blow.
Harry Herbert, racing manager of Al Shaqab Racing, part-owners of Ruler Of The World, said: "He didn't handle the surface. He travelled okay but as soon as you asked him to quicken he was all at sea on it. It rode very dead. Tonight was not to be but we will regroup and see what to go for on grass. I've no doubt there are some big days ahead."