With a sensational come-from-behind effort, Arrogate is now the richest racehorse in North American history by virtue of a thrilling victory in the $10 million 2017 Dubai World Cup Saturday at Meydan Racecourse.
Slow out of the gate, Arrogate spotted the field some daylight early in the 1-1/4 mile event. Jockey Mike Smith took the blame for the poor start.
"I missed the break completely," said Smith after the race. "I immediately thought of Zenyatta. I said to myself, 'I’ll just ride him like Zenyatta.'"
Smith guided Arrogate into contention and exploded home to win by 2-1/4 lengths over North American counterparts Gun Runner and Neolithic. The time of the race was 2:02.15, slightly slower than California Chrome's 2016 time of 2:01.83.
"I can't believe he won, that is a great horse right there," said trainer Bob Baffert after the win. "Mike Smith, he did a great job. he didn't panic. He just thought 'well, I'll get him around there and if he gives me something, fine.' What a job he did.
"When he turned for home I said 'if he wins, this is the greatest horse we've seen since Secretariat."
This is the first Dubai World Cup win for Smith and owner Juddmonte Farms, and the third (Silver Charm, 1998; Captain Steve, 2001) for Baffert.
The $6 million share of the purse boosted Arrogate's lifetime bankroll to $17,084,600, making him the highest earning North American-based racehorse. He takes that title from California Chrome ($14,752,65), and now ranks third behind international stars Orfevre ($19 million) and Gentidonna ($18.4 million).