barzalona hits the front for another big win

The 20-year-old led a famous one-two in the Dubai World Cup for Sheikh Mohammed’s operation Godolphin and trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni, with stablemate Capponi second.

Planteur, trained by Marco Botti, was third and the Aidan O’Brien-trained favourite So You Think fourth.

“I am so happy, this is a fantastic day in my life,” said Barzalona.

Monterosso (20-1) was third in this race 12 months ago but was off the track after that until returning only three weeks ago. The early lead changed hands several times before Joseph O’Brien edged So You Think in front by going through a gap on the rail before the home turn.

He was collared by Capponi, but Monterosso had too many guns and quickly pulled clear with Barzalona celebrating before the line, just as he had done at Epsom on Pour Moi last June.

The first and second were both formerly trained by Mark Johnston, who sent out Monterosso to win the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2010.

Sheikh Mohammed said: “I thought someone would come and get them both! Mark Johnston did a good job with these horses as well, he brought them up very well.”

The inaugural running of the Dubai Gold Cup was halted after Fox Hunt broke his leg during the early stages of the two-mile race at Meydan, under jockey Silvestre de Sousa, and had to be put down.

The race was re-run at the end of the card when Frankie Dettori won on Opinion Poll.

However, two more horses were injured with Bronze Cannon put down and Grand Vent pulled up.