Calming Influence wins Godolphin Cup

Published Mar. 27, 2010 11:29 a.m. ET

foxsports

Calming Influence has held off a late charge from Green Coast to win the $1 million Godolphin Mile, handing Dubai's ruler his first victory of the day at the Dubai World Cup.

The 5-year-old Calming Influence, ridden by United Arab Emirates native Ahmad Ajtebi, had been in an early struggle with Cat Junior and Le Drakkar.

Calming Influence appeared to be coasting to victory before having to hold off a challenge from lightly regarded Green Coast. The favorite Desert Party faded and never made a serious challenge.

Calming Influence comes from Godolphin Racing stables, which is owned by Dubai ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum. Since the 1980s, Sheik Mohammed has turned Godolphin into a major force in thoroughbred racing.