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French jockey Mickael Barzalona went into raptures as he sped past the winning post on Monterosso, to lift the G1 Dubai World Cup. Monterosso by Dubawi gave Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum a sixth triumph, in the world’s richest race. It was a moment to cherish for the Godolphin camp when stable mate Capponi finished second, to make it one-two, for the ‘blue’ silks.

Transcend cut the wind for most part of the race with Capponi tracking closely and the favourite So You Think positioned beautifully in third. Transcend was a spent force as they approached the second turn, 2 f out, with Capponi ranging along to take charge. Barzalona had worked his way on Monterosso and the 5 year old was making steady headway, even as So You Think was finding it hard to shift gears. The two stable companions dictated the terms in the last two furlongs and Monterosso went better to stretch away by a clear margin. Planteur flashed on late to deny So You Think a third.

An exuberant 19 year old Mickael Barzalona stood up in the stirrups, with his hand high in the air in jubilation, reminiscent of his Epsom Derby triumph.  "I couldn't believe when no one was coming after me. This is a dream," Barzalona said. "I have no words to describe what I feel right now."

It was the first World Cup success for Al Zarooni, who trains both Monterosso and the runner-up Capponi. Both the horses were under the tutelage of Mark Johnston and had moved to Al Zarooni’s stables last season. Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind behind the Dubai World Cup meeting, said: "It is a very special night and I'm very, very pleased. Mark Johnston did a good job with this horse."