Curlin reaffirmed his brand as the world’s greatest horse by dominating the $6 million Dubai World Cup (G1) on March 29. photo by Andrew Watkins

Curlin conquers Dubai World Cup

03/30/08

If anybody had any doubts that Curlin was the best racehorse on seven continents, the massive son of Smart Strike laid those doubts to rest Saturday with an overpowering victory in the world's richest race.

The gorgeous 4-year-old chestnut bred by Fares Farm was in hand the last sixteenth of a mile as he scored by nearly eight lengths in the $6 million Dubai World Cup (G1), becoming the third richest Thoroughbred in the history of the sport.

"What a horse," jockey Robby Albarado said as he jogged Curlin to the winner's circle. "He does it all on race day. It's easy when you ride a great horse. He's not even tired."

Curlin achieved several milestones with his eighth career victory in 11 starts. He became the first horse to win the Dubai World Cup from the difficult No. 12 post, and his final clocking of 2:00:15 was third best for the 1 1/4 miles in the 13 editions of the race. Curlin also became just the fourth horse to win both the Breeders' Cup Classic and the Dubai World Cup.

Only the great Cigar ($9,999,815) and Skip Away ($9,616,360) stand ahead of Curlin now in earnings, as Saturday’s valiant win earned him $3.6 million and boosted  his bankroll to $8,807,800 with a campaign for the second-half of 2008 yet to come.

Trainer Steve Asmussen hasn't announced upcoming plans for his stable star, but Curlin will ship back to New York on April 2 before vanning to Keeneland after clearing quarantine. Asmussen said Curlin will remain in light training until a campaign has been decided. The plans will most certainly call for a return visit to the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park. There he would be bidding to become the second horse to win the Classic twice, after Tiznow in 2000 and 2001.

photo by Andrew Watkins