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| Staff Writer |
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The Emirates Super Saturday held at the Meydan amphitheatre was a thrilling fixture that kept racegoers and a sizable global audience thoroughly entertained. From the breathless conclusion to the opening Group One Purebred Arabian event to the drama of William Buick losing his irons aboard Cinderella's Dream, the event was packed with excitement.
French handler Nicolas Caullery and William Knight, finally conquering Dubai after several attempts, added an international flavor to the day that also featured the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Horseracing Excellence Awards.
Trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri deserves an award for excellence for cajoling Military Law back to form, enough to win the Gr.2 Al Maktoum Classic. The biggest winners of the day were Kabirkhan's connections, who could have smugly peered over his stable door at the news of Military Law's victory.
Bhupat Seemar enhanced his reputation this season, finding Dubai's iconic venue a happy hunting ground once again. Laurel River stepped up to a mile and dismantled 15 rivals in the Gr.3 Burj Nahaar under Tadgh O'Shea. The Godolphin Mile now beckons for the Juddmonte-owned 6YO. The master of Zabeel Stables was at it again in the Mahab Al Shimaal with a 1-2-3, led home by Leading Spirit, who collared Freedom Fighter late on, while Morning ran through for third.
Godolphin captured three of the nine contests, with Frost At Dawn, running for the fifth time at the Carnival over a fourth different trip, springing a surprise on the far rail in the hands of Mickael Barzalona.
William Knight's persistence paid off, with Frost At Dawn belied the lack of faith with a clear career best, much to the delight of her handler. Charlie Appleby sent out Bold Act and Legend Of Time to record facile wins and hand the UK handler yet another treble at Meydan this winter. Hamad Al Marar secured a victory in a pulsating opener with Suny Du Loup.
The action on the track was red-hot, and the duel between the Connor Beasley-ridden Suny Du Loup and AF Afwajel down the stretch was a microcosm of the jockey's title battle between the two riders. The meeting was scintillating and ticked every box, making it a thrilling event.