Dubai: Dubai-owned horses finished an unlucky second and third in the featured Group 2 Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes on the final day of York’s four-day Ebor Festival but it was not all gloom on a busy afternoon’s racing across the UK.

The Richard Fahey-trained Sands Of Mali came home a convincing 2¾ length winner after making all the running under former champion jockey Paul Hanagan as Invincible Army (Martin Haley) and Cardsharp (James Doyle) ran on for the minor placings.

Cardsharp, who raced in the colours of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, however, had to share the third spot with Harry Bentley’s Headway, following a photo-finish.

Invincible Army represented Dubai businessman, Saeed Manana.

Meanwhile Mustashry posted an impressive victory in the Group 3 Strensall Stakes at Newmarket for Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

“I enjoyed that, it’s nice to ride a big winner for the boss and he’s one to look forward to,” said Hanagan of the winner, Sands Of Time.

“He’s the type that will go on anything really. He’s a big horse and I’m looking forward to next year with him, I think next year is his year really.

“I wouldn’t be afraid where he goes now to be honest, he gives you a lot of confidence, but I’ll leave that to the boss.”

Earlier, Godolphin put themselves on the winner’s board when Secret Advisor and Bin Battuta finished one-two in the Melrose Handicap.

Ridden by James Doyle for trainer Charlie Appleby, Secret Advisor came with a late run to deny the Saeed Bin Surour-trained Bin Battuta, on the line.

A Dubawi colt, Bin Battuta was having his first start over 2,800m and looked to have the race won when he led well inside the final furlong. But he could offer no more when he was beaten by just a head by the winner, also a son of Dubawi, in a well-contest race.

Prior to Saturday’s race Bin Suroor said: “Bin Battuta is a nice horse and has done very well physically this year, as he showed when winning at Ascot last time.

“The Melrose looks the right race to go for and we are hoping for another good result from him.”

Appleby was optimistic of Secret Advisor’s chances and said: “Secret Advisor has been consistent all year. The only disappointing race he has run was last time out at Goodwood, when the ground was soft and I think we can put a line through that.”