COUNTRY Grammer delivered a precision-timed fourth victory in the $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup for both trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Frankie Dettori. The Group 1 Saudi Cup runner-up hunted down long-time leader Life Is Good in the final furlong to win by a length and three-quarters.

Turning for home, Irad Ortiz Jr asked the Todd Pletcher-trained Life Is Good for an extra effort and started to kick clear. However, Country Grammer was not to be denied, with Dettori urging him down the straight. Life Is Good faded into fourth, the rallying Hot Rod Charlie claimed second for Doug O’Neill, while Chuwa Wizard, runner-up in last year’s race, was a half-length behind in third.

Amr Zedan, co-owner of Country Grammar with WinStar Farm and Commonwealth Thoroughbreds, said: “I mean, I don’t have any voice left after that! It was a project – we picked the horse and he has come here in the care of the best trainer in the world in Bob Baffert. Deep down in my gut I knew we had a shot.

“I have huge respect for all the others, especially Life Is Good who I know intimately as he used to train with Country Grammar when he was with Baffert. This win reminds me of Medina Spirit. He was a champion and these horses are all heart. I hope Medina Spirit is reinstalled as the Kentucky Derby winner, God willing. I can’t believe I’m sitting here and my silks are here!

“I am just very thankful to the entire team and Frankie, who gave him a perfect ride. He is one of the best, if not the best. Results speak louder than words. A trainer of that calibre is bound to produce such results. I am just dedicating this race to him.”

Jimmy Barnes, assistant trainer to Baffert, said: “Frankie just rode him awesome. He couldn’t have done any better. I give a lot of credit to Bob Baffert for his ability to come back and perform; it’s what we do, we’re great off a lay-off. I’m just so excited.”

Frankie Dettori, who first won the Dubai World Cup for Godolphin on Dubai Millennium in 2000, said: “I have equalled Jerry Bailey now. All my other three wins came on the Nad Al Sheba track, so it’s nice to have a winner at Meydan.”

Doug O’Neill, trainer of runner-up Hot Rod Charlie, said: “He had a great run and congratulations to Bob Baffert for getting his horse ready the way he did. We wanted to win, of course, but we’re super proud, and mid-race we were thinking it just wasn’t Charlie’s day. He then re-engaged and got up for second, so it was a great night.”