Bob Baffert, Hall of Fame trainer, was awarded victory by Country Grammer in Saturday’s $12 million Dubai World Cup.
Frankie Dettori rowed Country Grammer ahead of Life Is Good, a half furlong away from the finish. Country Grammer won the 1 1/4-mile (2,000 meter) Meydan course by approximately two lengths.
Hot Rod Charlie came in second, while Japan’s Chuwa wizard, last year’s runner up, was third.
Life Is Good started quickly and led the field to the home turn, but it was overtaken by Dettori’s timely challenge.
After a nine-month layoff, Country Grammer, which is owned by Amr Zedan, a Saudi investor from Los Angeles, finished second at the Saudi Cup in February.
Dettori has won the fourth Dubai World Cup.
Kentucky racing officials gave Baffert a 90-day suspension for failing to submit to a post-race drug test administered by Medina Spirit, which led him being disqualified as the Kentucky Derby winner last year.
Baffert’s lawyers argued in a Kentucky Court last Wednesday that the suspension should be lifted only after he has had an opportunity to appeal with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The hearing is set for April 18.
