Dubai: Hong Kong-trained Joy and Fun repelled a strong global challenge to win the first running of the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint (Group 3) in a thrilling finish which saw only a length separate the first three home.
The six-year-old Australian-bred gelding, ridden by former UAE champion jockey Brett Doyle, held on for a three-quarter length victory over Godolphin outsider Fravashi, who got up on the dying strides to deny favourite and Breeders' Cup Sprint champion California Flag by a quarter of a length.
Carnival winner War Artist was a game fourth.
British jockey Doyle, who won the UAE jockey's title back in 1996-97, was over the moon with the results.
"He was a million dollars today. He was always travelling like the winner and took a little while to get past him [California Flag], but that was the best trick and he ran to form actually from the International in Hong Kong," he said. "He's won it nice. It's always great when you travel like I was.
"I was surprised with his pace, so I just let him go. He showed the hunger to be there and here is his reward. He is such a genuine horse. I am glad he stayed well all the way and moved ahead just when I urged him to.
Winning trainer Derek Cruz acknowledged Fun And Games produced a superlative performance to win the prestigious race which was only last month added to the lucrative Dubai World Cup programme.
"It's so exciting to come here and win on the first day of racing at Meydan. I think the jockey [Brett Doyle] did a fantastic job by moving in when he was in the right position. I am so proud."
Angel Cruz, Derek's wife, struggled to control her emotions in the winner's circle and was close to tears of joy.
"We are so proud of what he has achieved," she gushed. "He did well in quarantine and today he has proved his worth. All we did was to keep him well and happy and today he has repaid us for the faith we kept in him.
Wong Chun Nam, who owns Joy and Fun, was enjoying the moment and said: "I don't know what to say, I'm just really excited and happy.
"He normally takes long to come up to the front, but I think the jockey did a fantastic job in controlling the race. He is such an honest horse and he gives his best every time he is out there.
"This was his chance and I am so glad because he took it. It is difficult to have another opportunity like this when the entire horse racing fraternity is watching you. It's a great, great honour.
"This is a fantastic racecourse the best and nicest racecourse in the world."
Cruz said Fun And Games' performance will encourage him to plan a global campaign for the horse including England, where he might run in the King Stand Stakes or Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot.
"We'll see our plans and we'll map up in Singapore or even England now. He travelled very well."
— With inputs from Duane Fonseca
