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| Rowan Anderson |
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Frankie Dettori’s farewell to Saudi came with a clinical Group Three victory onboard Elite Power in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint.
Juddmonte’s five-year-old was in a class of his own winning by over three lengths for trainer William Mott.
In his last season in the saddle after a year that has seen him become one of the greatest to ever ride and taking wins across the globe this was the victory he craved on what he calls ‘the greatest dirt track in the world’.
The Curlin x Broadway’s Alibi entire took out the Breeders’ Cup Sprint last season by one and half lengths and the performance overnight was just as impressive as he beat home another American in runner Gunite (USA).
Dettori unleashed the lethal turn of foot his mount possesses having settled with 200m remaining and showing his ability is on another level compared to his rivals.
The victory made it three Group company wins in the past year having win a Group Two at Aqueduct by close to six lengths before the Keeneland Group One in November last year.
Frankie Dettori commented on the engine he discovered in Elite Power.
"My first word has to be aeroplane. I was a little out of reach and asked him to get a little closer and then the turbo just kicked in and I was a passenger then.
"He’s a very laid-back horse and only does what you ask him to do but wow he has some turn of foot.
"The Abdullah family has given so much to the sport; the legacy keeps going. I love these colours and it’s nice to give the locals something to cheer about."
Assistant trainer to William Mott, Neil Poznansky, also commented post-race.
“He’s a big strong animal. He shows nothing but class. He shipped over here like he was here his whole life. He’s a good horse, a very good horse. His turn of foot is incredible, he’s just incredible to watch, a magnificent animal.
"He’s really coming into himself and getting better as he was really slow to mature. Now he’s putting it all together. Bill doesn’t come here without reason but bringing a horse like Elite Power is a good reason to come. For Frankie and Juddmonte it was like a whole dynasty thing."
Dettori is sure to now head to Dubai for the World Cup Carnival on his farewell tour to the sport he has given so much to.