It is a long journey from California to Dubai. So, a wide trip in the $10 million Dubai World Cup didn't seem like much of a bother to California Chrome on Saturday.
The 5-year-old was absolutely brilliant in rolling to victory in the world's richest race at Meydan Racecourse.
Under jockey Victor Espinoza, California Chrome broke sharply but was caught three wide for much of the early stages of the 1 1/4-mile race.
Another problem developed as the saddle slipped under Espinoza. However, it mattered not as the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner moved four wide through the final turn and surged to the front of the pack.
He quickly opened up distance and cruised to an open-lengths victory.
#CaliforniaChrome wins the 21st #DubaiWorldCup https://t.co/RXTziTK3lH
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 26, 2016
The triumph was a sort of redemption for California Chrome, Espinoza and trainer Art Sherman.
In the 2015 edition of the Dubai World Cup, California Chrome finished second.
In 2016, a star-studded field was no match for the dazzling California bred.
The victory makes California Chrome the all-time richest horse in career earnings. The $6 million picked up for the victory adds to his $6.53 million in prior earnings and moves him past 2008 World Cup champion Curlin.
Love Art Sherman. 'This is cool.' Six million dollars of cool. #CaliforniaChrome
— Emma Berry (@collingsberry) March 26, 2016
HE DID IT! California Chrome "turns to gold" in the Dubai World Cup! #DWC16onTVG pic.twitter.com/W4cQvZzJLt
— TVG #KYDerby2016 (@TVG) March 26, 2016
Cost: $10,000 to breed ?
— Channel 4 Racing (@Channel4Racing) March 26, 2016
Prize money: $11m plus ?
California Chrome's story = fairytale ?
#DubaiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/l41DgactXz
