Moon Ballad (Ireland) the winner of Dubai World Cup 2003

In the headline event, the Group 1 Dubai World Cup, Todd Pletcher trainee Harlan’s Holiday and Godolphin entrant Nayef were cofavored at 5-2 (all pools U.S.), with Nayef the actual betting favorite by a slim margin. But it was 3-1 third choice and local hope Moon Ballad who cashed in, with contract rider Frankie Dettori aboard. Moon Ballad was in contention early, conceding the early running to 10-1 shot Blue Burner. Coming out of the far turn, Dettori roused Moon Ballad and he responded, leaving the rest of the field in his wake and finishing a whopping six lengths clear of Harlan’s Holiday, who was in contention the whole way. The final time was 2:00.48 for the 2000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles) distance over a fast main track. Nayef was another length back in third, and defending World Series champion Grandera was fourth. Winning jockey Frankie Dettori said, "I got the same feeling as I had when riding Dubai Millennium because when I turned for home, I couldn't see the other horses. All that I could hear was the crowd cheering. I knew then that we were going to win as he had plenty left and was enjoying it." Moon Ballad is the first Dubai World Cup winner to be sired by a Dubai World Cup winner, 1997 champ Singspiel. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said that the ultimate goal for Moon Ballad is the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita in October.