Shuruq takes Al Maktoum Challenge RI

"We have to be delighted with that because we thought he would really need

the run," de Kock. "He was a Group 2 winner last season and is hopefully still

improving."

The trainer completed a double when Anaerobio won the

concluding 1400-meter turf handicap under Christophe Soumillon.

"It is

always nice to get that first winner on the board," Soumillon noted. "I had some nice rides

tonight, but some of the horses have needed the run. Mike's had two winners

tonight so it's great to know that the team is going well at this stage in the

season."

A 1000-meter handicap, the first turf race of the season and first Thoroughbred race

of the Dubai World Cup Carnival, provided Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby with

a dream start to his UAE career. His first ever local runner, Ahtoug, landed the

spoils determinedly under Mickael Barzalona while the Fawzi Nass-trained Hototo

was second under Luke Morris.

"He showed a lot of speed and a great attitude as the runner-up was very

brave also," Barzalona remarked.

Trainer and jockey wasted little time completing doubles with Fulbright leading

close home to deny Ahmed Ajtebi and stablemate Modern History in a 1400-meter

all-weather handicap.

"Obviously that is a great result for the whole team and Mickael challenged

that nicely after Ahmed looked to have snatched it," Appleby said.

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