EMBLEM ROAD sprang an 80-1 surprise when capturing the £7.4million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest race, in Riyadh.
Mishriff, last year’s impressive winner and sent off the favourite, had every chance before backpedalling two furlongs from home and finishing last of the 14 runners for the John and Thady Gosden partnership.
It was a remarkable performance from Emblem Road, partnered by Wigberto Ramos for local trainer Mitab Almulawah.
After fluffing the start the colt rocketed home to chin Country Grammer in the dying strides with Midnight Bourbon taking third place.
Frankie Dettori returned with sand in his face after Saeed bin Suroor’s Real World failed to fire and trailed home in 11th place.
It was a rewarding evening for Christophe Lemaire who rode four winners – Authority, Songline, Stay Foolish and Dancing Prince – all for different Japanese trainers,
But it was a wasted trip for British hope Pyledriver after he finished 11th behind Authority in Neom Turf Cup.
At Lingfield, Alenquer set himself up for next month’s Dubai Sheema Classic after he lowered the course record when taking the Betway Winter Derby in the hands of Cieren Fallon.
Maureen Haggas, wife of winning trainer William, said: “Jason Favell who rides Alenquer at home does an unbelievable job because you would not believe how badly behaved he is.”
Gamble responsibly
Everyone at Reach is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org.
