Barney Roy Returns With Smooth Al Rashidiya Victory

Barney Roy took a successful first step toward the Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World (G1) on World Cup Night as the 6-year-old won the Jan. 30 Al Rashidiya Sponsored by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal (G2) at Meydan.

Last summer, Barney Roy returned to the track following an unsuccessful spell at stud, joining Charlie Appleby. He was previously trained by Richard Hannon before attempting a career as a stallion.

Runner-up in the 2017 QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas (G1), Barney Roy went on to claim the St. James's Palace Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot that year.

Upon returning to action in 2019, he won a listed race at ParisLongchamp on his second start for Appleby, with the trainer identifying the Dubai carnival as his winter destination. 

In his first start at Meydan on Thursday, Barney Roy settled close to last with William Buick aboard and then made smooth progress on the home turn before quickening with Dream Castle and Christophe Soumillon for company.

Dream Castle, winner of the Al Rashidiya last year, tried to go with Barney Roy but was unable to sustain his effort as Appleby and Buick won the race for the first time.

"He will come on a lot for that because he had been off a long time and was fresh and keen to get on with things before the race," the winning jockey said. "Dream Castle is a good horse over this course and distance, so to beat him in style was very pleasing, and I would hope he will be a Dubai Turf horse and is one to look forward to."

There was more joy on the Meydan turf for Appleby as he landed a 1 3/4-mile handicap, upgraded this year to listed status and given the new name of the Meydan Cup.

This time, local champion Tadhg O'Shea was in the plate, driving Secret Advisor to the lead inside the final furlong. They were chased home by Saeed bin Suroor's Dubai Horizon, with Dubhe, a stablemate of the winner, finishing third, giving Godolphin a 1-2-3.

"Secret Advisor won the Melrose well but then had a setback, missed a whole year, and was disappointing in two starts last season, but has thrived since arriving in Dubai," Appleby said.

The Meydan Cup also marked the debut of Dee Ex Bee for Salem bin Ghadayer after he joined the trainer from Mark Johnston.

Bin Ghadyer suggested Dee Ex Bee was only "about 70% fit" for his Dubai debut, and the 5-year-old paid the price for trying to make all under Mickael Barzalona, finishing fifth, beaten two lengths.

Barzalona enjoyed better luck in the dirt highlight, the Al Shindagha Sprint Sponsored By DP World UAE Region (G3), winning aboard Gladiator King for Satish Seemar.