The newest race on the Dubai World Cup programme as well as the evening`s first thoroughbred race was the US$1 million Al Quoz Sprint, sponsored by Emirates NBD. The Group 3 race is run along Meydan`s 1200m straight course and attracted a full field of 16 runners with the winner`s prize going to the New Zealand-bred Joy And Fun, a Hong Kong invader, who scored by three-quarters of a length and covered the course in 1:09.80.

The winner is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Wong Chung Nam, trained by Derek Cruz and ridden by Brett Doyle. It was the second victory in Dubai World Cup night competition for Doyle and the first for trainer Cruz. Joy And Fun is only the second Hong Kong-based horse to score in Dubai World Cup night competition.

“That was great,” Doyle said. “The horse deserved it as he`s bumped into Sacred Kingdom a number of times. There`s no straight [1200m] six furlongs and that`s what he needs. The trainer chose the right race, he stays 1400metres and he outstayed the American horse.”

“I haven`t got the words to express it hardly, added his trainer. “I feel really proud, he pinged out of the gates and was more prominent than I thought he would be and Brett kept him there all the way and with a great ride and I guess at home he is more of a 1400 meter horse, so his stamina for this straight told in the end.”

The son of Cullen stalked the pace set by the United States representative California Flag and overtook that rival inside the final 200 metres. Fravashi also closed late to get past the leader for the place spot with California Flag settling for third after making most of the pace.

Only the second race ever to be run over the straight course at Meydan, California Flag was alert from the gate and maintained a clear lead over Joy And Fun, Star Crowned and Dohasa through the first 200 metres with Judd Street joining the fray at the 400.

War Artist, All Silent, Judd Street, Sirocco Breeze, Finjaan, Mariol, Asset, Terrific Challenge, Sir Gerry, Our Giant, Star Crowned, Prince Shaun and Dohasa completed the order of finish.