Curlin thunders to Dubai World Cup triumph

LONDON (Reuters) - Hot 4-11 favourite Curlin, ridden with supreme confidence by Robby Albarado, galloped away with Saturday's 3.01 million pound Dubai World Cup, the sport's richest race.

The U.S. Horse of the Year in 2007, Curlin raced in the first three throughout, took the lead with 500 metres to go and ran out an easy 7-3/4 lengths winner.

Second place in the 12-strong field went to South African-trained challenger Asiatic Boy (10-1) with 66-1 outsider Well Armed in third.

"He's just an amazing horse and I'm proud to be around him," Albarado told Channel 4 racing as the favourite returned to the winner's enclosure at Nad Al Sheba.

Victories in last year's Breeder's Cup Classic and Preakness Stakes had marked Curlin out as a top-class performer and he underlined his reputation with an another impressive display.

Albarado, riding for trainer Steve Asmussen, said: "This is an unbelievable experience and I can't explain it. This is at the very top of the list."

AFRICAN TRIUMPHS

Earlier on a glittering seven-race card with prize money of over 10.5 million pounds on the night, South African trainer Mike de Kock landed a 1-2 in the United Arab Emirates Derby and also captured the 2.5 million pound Dubai Sheema Classic.

Honour Devil, the 15-8 favourite ridden by Johnny Murtagh, beat stablemate Royal Vintage (5-2) by a length and a quarter to give De Kock his second successive victory in the UAE Derby following Asiatic Boy in 2007.