Dubai World Cup: Majestic Lord North rules the Turf for the third time

Lord North, a horse with one of the most stately names in the sport, made racing history on Saturday when he won the $5 million Dubai Turf (G1) for the third year in succession and with all his wins coming under Frankie Dettori’s exquisite handling.

Twelve months ago, the son of Dubawi powered home to dead-heat with Japanese raider Panthalassa, but this time did not leave anything to the judge when crossing the finish rather comfortably, three-quarters of a length clear of Danon Beluga, who was representing the Land of the Rising Sun.

Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Lord North looked every inch the star that he set out to be when posting an imperious three-length victory in 2021.

"It's amazing," said Dettori, who was riding at the Dubai World Cup meeting for the final time before he retires from the sport at the end of the year.

“It’s my farewell season and to win this on a horse that has done three years in a row is fantastic. He can get sick easily and he’s a seven-year-old gelding, but I was that confident I lost my whip 300 (yards) out,” he added.

“I think his comeback run was better than last year and he was in better shape. Full credit to the boys that got him ready for this race and full credit to everyone. I rode him the other morning, he didn’t give me much of a feel but that’s him.

“He had a good draw in three and jumped well. I could have sat second but took him back and then filled him up in the straight,” said Dettori, his English twang more Americanised now that he has made the country his new home.

“Nine furlongs is his best distance. It’s a remarkable job for the team to come back and win this for the third time.

“I’m super chuffed, and really enjoying the night,” he said.

As it has done so many times in the past, the Dubai Turf served up another epic contest that culminated in a cavalry charge between 11 of the race’s 14 runners.

3.Nations Pride (C Appleby) William Buick