Ron the Green Takes Accident-Marred King’s Cup

Ron the Greek (Full Mandate) proved far too classy for his rivals in Saturday’s The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (King’s Cup) at Janadriyah Racetrack in Riyadh, a race marred by a terrible spill which resulted in a reported three equine fatalities. 

Drawn in stall five, Ron the Greek raced in about a joint third early on just and dropped a few positions as a wall of four developed just ahead of him at the midway point. With about five furlongs to travel, a horse racing in the vanguard and three or four off the inside, broke down and caused massive chain reaction and spills further back in the field. Just 11 of the 18 starters finished the race, while at least three, including King of the Danes (GB) (Dansili {GB}) were reportedly euthanized. Jockey Eddie Castro, who was aboard that stricken horse, Alan Garcia, Frankie Dettori and Alonso Quinonez were among those involved in the accident, though none suffered a serious injury, according to several Twitter accounts. Castro was reportedly transported to a local hospital for observation. 

Trained by former Christophe Clement assistant Nicholas Bachalard for King Abdulaziz and Sons, Ron the Greek found room one off the fence in upper stretch and powered away to score by seven lengths 2:31.47 for the 2400 meters (video) (spill occurs at 1:46 mark of video). Gone Dutch (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) closed for second beneath Christophe Soumillon, and that duo was a half-length ahead of Fly Solo (GB) (Soviet Star). Ron the Greek is a candidate to cut back to 10 furlongs for the G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan Mar. 28.