Legendary Italian jockey Frankie Dettori guided Raging Torrent to an emphatic win in the $1 million Godolphin Mile at the Dubai World Cup on Saturday.

Coming off a grade 3 win at Gulfstream, Raging Torrent proved too strong for the rest of the field at Meydan.

King Gold finished second while Japanese horse Kazu Petrin took the third place.  

"It went like clockwork, it's such a lovely horse. I pushed him and he did the rest," Dettori said.

"I didn't want to kick too hard, but he once had built a lead, he kept going and he killed everyone off."

Raging Torrent's spectacular victory was also Dettori's eighth win in the Godolphin Mile.

The Italian paid tribute to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, following his milestone win on Saturday.

"That's one hell of a record, equal World Cup winner (4 wins in the $12 million Dubai World Cup race), I have worked for Sheikh Mohammed at Godolphin for 18 years, I can say I grew up here, it's a great satisfaction," he said.

Meanwhile, iconic Emirati trainer Saeed bin Suroor was back on the podium as Dubai Future produced a stunning finish to win the $1 million Dubai Gold Cup at the Dubai World Cup on Saturday.

In the first race of the day, it was First Classs who emerged victorious, claiming the $1 million Dubai Kahayla Classic as the 29th Dubai World Cup got under way at Meydan on Saturday.

Long before the start of the first race, the grandstand at the magnificent racecourse was buzzing with excitement at the $30.5 million event, one of the richest race nights in the world. 

The highlight of today’s nine-race card is the $12 million Dubai World Cup which will see 11 thoroughbreds vying for glory on the dirt. 

Japanese sensation Forever Young, who delivered a stunning run to win the $20 million Saudi Cup early this year, is the overwhelming favourite tonight at Meydan. 

But don’t write off Bhupat Seemar’s chances of finding a place in the pantheon of racing immortals. 

Having guided Laurel River to victory last year, the Dubai-based Indian trainer is pinning his hopes on Walk of Stars and Imperial Emperor, two formidable equine athletes, to land him another Dubai World Cup trophy.