Prince Bishop sees off America’s best to take World Cup at Meydan

Prince Bishop defeated the best of America in California Chrome and Lea to spring a surprise in the Dubai World Cup at Meydan.

William Buick brought Saeed bin Suroor's evergreen eight-year-old to lead a furlong and a half out and win the world's richest Flat race.

Last year’s Kentucky Derby hero California Chrome was a one-paced second and Lea was third.

Buick, in his first season as a retained jockey for Godolphin, said: “I cannot believe it.

“This horse has come good. I can’t express what I’m feeling right now. It’s very surreal.

“We were detached last but we ended up travelling very well in the last turn.

“I feel a bit numb at the moment but I’m sure when I get home it will all sink in. It’s a great team effort.”

Bin Suroor, who also won the race last season with African Story, said of the 14-1 scorer: “I knew the horse had ability. It’s such an important victory. I am very happy with that.”

California Chrome’s trainer Art Sherman said: “He lost a lot of ground on both turns but he still ran game.

“He ran his eyeballs out. I’m just happy he came back in one piece.

“He tried every inch of the way. There’s nothing wrong with finishing second in this type of a race.”

Bin Suroor went on: “Usually this horse jumps slowly and gets everybody real worried.

“I said to the jockey William that it doesn’t matter if he jumps slow as usual don’t give up with him and see how he is with the kickback.

“This horse has class and he has a big heart.

“We’ve have had a really good winter and won several Group races and now to win the World Cup is very good.”

Jockey James Doyle said of African Story: “That’s just how it goes. No horse has won back-to-back Gold Cups and he didn’t seems that much at home on the surface. He owes us nothing and you can’t fault him.”

Joel Rosario, rider of the third-placed Lea, said: “He travelled into the race nicely and when I turned for home I was hoping for a hole to open up but it didn’t.”

Christophe Soumillon, who rode Epiphaneia, said: “It sounds like he has breathing problem. He started to wobble.”