The 2016 Dubai World Cup belongs to California Chrome. The 5-year-old put in an absolutely brilliant, dominating effort over the 1-1/4 mile dirt course at Meydan. With Victor Espinoza in the irons California Chrome broke alertly from the outside post and was quickly settled into stalking position, tracking the leaders 4-5 wide before breaking loose in the turn for home under a hand urging from Espinoza. He pulled away in the stretch to win by 4 1/2 lengths over Mubtaahij and Hoppertunity, in a final time of 2:01.5.
California Chrome's saddle clearly slipped during race. Look where the girth is. Still dusted a world class field. pic.twitter.com/KxlaxV0rrV
— Horse Network (@HorseNetwrk) March 26, 2016
What a pair! #CaliforniaChrome & @EspinozasVictor don't let a slipped saddle stop them from winning #DubaiWorldCup! pic.twitter.com/xfoz0SeFVn
— America'sBestRacing (@ABRLive) March 26, 2016
The win moves his career record to 12 wins in 21 starts, and Team Chrome’s share of the $10,000,000 purse pushes his career earnings $12,532,650 and past Curlin as the richest North American racehorse in history. And how about Victor Espinoza? A Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2015, and now a Dubai World Cup already in the books this year. Crush-ing.
A well-deserved shower for the champ #CaliforniaChrome #DWC16 @DRC_Meydan pic.twitter.com/Q6LeavPxKl
— David Morgan (@themorganline) March 26, 2016
As for what’s next? Chrome is expected to ship back to the States next week, where he’ll get a few weeks off at Taylor Made’s Kentucky farm. Then he’ll likely head back out to California to begin training for a summer stake, and ultimately ending his historic career in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the fall.
This horse, man, what a run.