Wow. Arrogate can really run. And Mike Smith showed his immense skill today in the $10 Million Dubai World Cup.

Arrogate broke so slowly from the gate that one commentator said it was, “like he was going out for a walk in the country.” The stallion was then bumped hard, leaving him trailing the 14 horse field. How did he manage to win by 2 1/2 lengths?  It was a testament to Mike Smith’s skillful riding and Arrogate’s  heart and incredible speed.

Smith explained what happened at the start after the race.

In the United States, Arrogate is used to having an assistant starter in the gate with him. This was the first time he had to break on his own. And basically, he didn’t.

“I don’t know if the (assistant starter) misunderstood me, but I said make sure you keep his head straight. And then he got out instead,” Smith said. “My horse just didn’t realize he had to break. But you know what? Things happen for a reason.”

The Paulick Report