The Dubai World Cup meeting celebrates its historic 25th anniversary on March 27, with six Group 1 races and three Group 2s, including one of the world’s premier races, the $12 million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.
Over the next three weeks, we will pay tribute to each of the previous Dubai World Cup winners. Today, we rewind to 2000, when Dubai Millennium won what was described by many as one of the most memorable victories to date, ridden by the mercurial Frankie Dettori, becoming the fifth winner of the Dubai World Cup.
It was the victory that was meant to be. It is difficult to describe a performance like this. Dubai Millennium, from barrier 11 jumped quickly and his rider Frankie Dettori decided to continue on and go to the front. He led, as he did when winning the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes as a three-year- old at Ascot, and he was there to be beaten, considering the time he was carving out.
However, when they turned for home he quickened again and put another couple of lengths on the rest of the field. To be eased down in the final 50m when six lengths clear and still run the time he did, was an extraordinary performance and one of utter dominance.
What must be remembered, too, is that these were class horses behind him, some of the best in America on this surface and over this trip, and he treated them with contempt. Dubai Millennium was the horse they all had to beat prior to the event following his performance in the final round of the Maktoum Challenge, however if there was a chink in the armour it had to do with his temperament prior to the race. When he appeared in the paddock it was clear that this was his night, there wasn’t an ounce of sweat on him and any concerns disappeared.
With a career record that read nine wins in ten outings, there was no doubt that Dubai Millennium was a class act. Post-race statements said that he was the best Godolphin had had and the best horse his jockey had ridden. This was high praise considering some illustrious predecessors, however never has there been a more impressive performance at Nad Al Sheba, and even today this victory in 2000 is considered one of the very best witnessed at the Dubai World Cup.
WATCH DUBAI MILLENNIUM’S SENSATIONAL WIN HERE
Dubai Racing Club Press Release
Photo: Dubai Millennium, (Dubai Racing Club)
