Bin Surour bags fifth consecutive title

Dubai: Saeed Bin Surour paid tribute to his team after winning a fifth successive trainer's championship at the Dubai World Cup Carnival.

The Godolphin handler saddled 17 winners during the season to finish two ahead of his nearest rival, Ali Rashid Al Raihe, who saddled an incredible five winners on Saturday to take his tally to 15.

Mahmoud Al Zarouni, Bin Surour's work-mate at Godolphin, was third with 14 wins.

Bin Surour notched four Group victories at the Carnival, which were highlighted by Do It All's runaway win in the Group Two Zabeel Mile and Mendip's easy win in the Group Two Al Maktoum Challenge Round Two.

Bin Surour was delighted with his latest achievement. "It is a great result to be top trainer at the Dubai World Cup Carnival once again and the whole team must take the credit," he said.

"Everyone at Godolphin works very hard and it is fantastic to head the standings for a fifth year.

"The racing is getting more competitive every year at the Dubai World Cup Carnival and it is tougher than ever to saddle winners, with horses coming from all over the world."

Meanwhile, Godolphin gained a fifth successive champion owner title at the Carnival with 24 victories, while Frankie Dettori headed the jockey standings with 16 wins.