Dubai: Godolphin trainer Mahmoud Al Zarouni bagged his first UAE Classic when jockey Mickael Barzalona rode Splash Point to victory in the Dubal-sponsored Group 3 UAE 2000 Guineas at the fifth meeting of the 2011 Dubai International Racing Carnival.
Watched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Splash Point reversed the 1,400 metres Trial form with runner-up Zanzamar to hand Al Zarouni a landmark victory.
For the second year running Skysurfers carried the blue Godolphin colours to victory in the Listed Firebreak Stakes. Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Skysurfers denied last year's UAE 2000 Guineas and Derby winner Musir.
Trainers from the UK were in good form on the day. The Jamie Osborne-trained Rakaan won the opening 1,400 metres Dubal Imtiaz Trophy under a driving late finish by Ted Durcan.
Fourth winner
The 1,000 metres Dubal Trophy on turf was then won by Prohibit, a second UAE winner for trainer Robert Cowell who, unfortunately, was not present at Meydan. Prohibit was providing Christophe Soumillon with his fourth winner of the night, the Belgian jockey having earlier won three races for retaining trainer Mike De Kock.
Hunting Tower set the ball rolling for De Kock when he returned to winning ways in the All-Weather 2,200 metres Dubal Casthouse Trophy, before Golden Sword won the 1,900 metres Dubal Potlines Trophy also on the All-Weather.
Both horses carried the colours of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, as did Raihana who won the concluding Turf Dubal Excellence Trophy over 1800m.
