AL QUOZ SPRINT

(Group 1)

STUNNING. That is the word that best sums up the performance of the only Irish-trained runner at Meydan last Saturday.

Sole Power pulverised a world-class field to win this five-furlong dash on turf and give owner Sabena Power, trainer Eddie Lynam and jockey Richard Hughes a well deserved success.

Hughes was making his final appearance at Meydan as a jockey and he produced Sole Power with his customary run to beat Hong Kong’s Peniaphobia and America’s Green Mask in style.

After the win the rider said: “After his last start I wasn’t strong on him as he was lacklustre that day. Edward has worked on him and whatever he has done has paid off. Any winner is special but to win here is great.”

Sole Power was running at his fifth World Cup meeting (he finished runner-up in this race three years ago) and in his 22nd Group 1 race, and Hughes is the second jockey to retire having enjoyed top-flight success on the son of Kyllachy.

Johnny Murtagh was the gelding’s regular pilot previously. Sole Power was purchased as a yearling at DBS by Lynam for £32,000.

Plans are now for Sole Power to attempt to lift the King’s Stand Stakes for a third consecutive time. “He has just come to himself and on the day he was always capable of doing this,” said a clearly overjoyed Lynam.

The Irish-bred Peniaphobia chased Sole Power home and his rider Doug Whyte was quick to praise the winner.

Speaking of his own mount he said: “He’s run a good race and had run true to form, but the winner was too good on the day.” Frankie Dettori was pleased with the effort of the third-placed Green Mask, trained by the sprint king Wesley Ward.

“I was drawn one, whereas the winner was toward the middle and the second was over in 16. So he’s run a huge race from that gate.”

The $1 million Al Quoz Sprint had a first prize of over £380,000 and this was more than the win value of both the King’s Stand Stakes and Nunthorpe Stakes combined last year.