produced a stunning final flourish to deny Frankie Dettori and fellow outsider
Mixto victory in the
at Meydan.
All eyes were on odds-on favourite Forever Young, but his challenge never materialised until it was too late as Brad Cox’s five-year-old Hit Show flew from midfield to snatch success by half a length.
As a result, Dettori remains locked with American Jerry Bailey as the most successful jockey in the race on four Dubai World Cup triumphs, while
secured his maiden win.
Walk Of Stars took control of proceedings early on and was clear alongside Mixto at the two-furlong marker to create a clear advantage over the rest of the field.
Forever Young, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, could not get up to speed as Mixto took the lead inside the final 200 metres and looked certain to complete a double on the day for Dettori and trainer Doug O’Neill.
However, Geroux galvanised Hit Show to power from sixth inside the final furlong to claim the £5.5million prize pot, with runner-up Mixto just holding off the fast-finishing Forever Young in third.
Mixto and Frankie Dettori (Neil Morrice/PA)
“It’s amazing, I had such a great trip the whole way,” said French jockey Geroux, who was second on Gun Runner behind Arrogate in 2017.
“I had to pass a lot of horses, but I could see my target and he was not travelling as well as my horse.
“I had a few anxious moments with Forever Young on the turn, but he went there with an impressive charge.
“I know my horse well and for some reason he runs strongly for me all the time.
“I’ll be honest and say I thought we were running for a place and they gave me more, so I took it. It’s amazing.
“He is a great horse but today was the cherry on the cake.”