In a thrilling finish to the second renewal of the world’s richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh on Saturday, the John Gosden-trained Mishriff produced a late surge to catch the fancied American entry Charlatan in the final stages.
David Egan and thrilled connections (Pic – Saudi Cup FB)
The French Derby winner was perfectly ridden by 21 year old Kildare jockey David Egan
The John Gosden-trained colt, owned by Prince Faisal, made his stamina tell over the 1800m after the fancied US duo Charlatan and Knicks Go had gone head to head in the early stages.
Watch the race here
Egan was able to stay on their heels as the pair turned for home and after Knicks Go called it a day, Mishriff dug deep and gradually reduced Charlatan’s lead to get up in the closing stages.
Great Scot stayed on nicely and finished third. edging fourth-place Knicks Go out. Sleepy Eyes Todd was fifth.
Gosden told the Irish Examiner from his Newmarket base: “It was a wonderful performance. He showed a lot of grit and courage, and he was able to go the pace of the American horses. It was great.”
Egan said: “I can’t believe it. He’s an absolute champion. It’s unbelievable.”
The winner is a 4-year-old son of Make Believe.
What they earned:
- 1st Mishriff – $10m
- 2nd Charlatan – $3.5m
- 3rd Great Scot – $2m
- 4th Knicks Go – $1.5m
- 5th Sleepy Eyes Todd – $1m
- 6th Military Law – $600k
- 7th Tacitus – $500k
- 8th Bangkok – $400k
- 9th Chuwa Wizard – $300k
- 10th Derevo – $200k
