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Buick Triumphs For The First Time In World's Richest Race

William Buick, announced as a retained rider for Godolphin in November, enjoyed his first success in the world's richest race, the US$10-million Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline, on Prince Bishop at Meydan on Saturday night, March 28.

William Buick, announced as a retained rider for Godolphin in November, enjoyed his first success in the world's richest race, the US$10-million Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline, on Prince Bishop at Meydan on Saturday night, March 28.

The 26-year-old, who came from last to first on Prince Bishop, commented: "I cannot believe it.

"I want to say thanks to the whole team at home, thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and thanks to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

"We had a fantastic opportunity here and this horse has come up with the goods.

"Prince Bishop has been unlucky in the last two Al Maktoum Challenges but I cannot express what I am feeling right now. It's very surreal.

"The kickback was a huge concern and we were detached last. We ended up travelling very well into the last turn and I didn't look back when hitting the front, I kept going. He probably won very well because I could hear the commentator.

"I feel a bit numb at the moment but I am sure it will all sink in when I get home. Thanks to everybody - the team have worked so hard all winter and have performed so well. It is a great team effort.

"It means everything. We get opportunities now that not many people get and we are very grateful for it. This is only the beginning."

The jockey reflected on the race: "Prince Bishop was slow away from the gate but we worked our way out. We had a lot of ground to make up but he has raced the same way in the last two Maktoum Challenges before tonight, so I sort of expected it.

"We got on the back of California Chrome going into the last turn but Prince Bishop travelled very well and picked up in the straight.

"He has improved for his last two runs. He is a very tough horse with a huge heart and gave me his all today. What I am feeling now is unbelievable - I am dreaming, I am just waiting to wake up.

"We had quite a bit of kickback but you have to admire a horse like Prince Bishop. He has plenty of quality, has never run a bad race in his whole life and it was no surprise to see him win this race.

"Local experience counts for a lot and he stays, while a few of them were doubtful stayers. It was a very good win.

"We brushed by California Chrome but I had to time it because I know how good that horse is.

"I went into the race thinking that California Chrome could be a doubtful stayer so, when I went, I was going to go and stretch my horse and make him work.

"At the end of the day, the best horse and the horse that stayed won."

William Buick with the Dubai World Cup trophy
William Buick with the Dubai World Cup trophy © www.godolphin.com