Barney Roy back in business with smooth Group 2 victory in Al Rashidiya

Barney Roy took a successful first step en route to the Dubai Turf on World Cup night as the six-year-old won the Group 2 Al Rashidiya at Meydan on Thursday.

Last summer Barney Roy returned to the track following an unsuccessful spell at stud, joining Charlie Appleby having formerly been with Richard Hannon before attempting a new career as a stallion.

Runner-up in the 2,000 Guineas in 2017, Barney Roy went on to claim the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot that year.

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

On his first start at Meydan, Barney Roy was settled nearer last than first by William Buick 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.

William Buick: steered Barney Roy to victoryCredit: Mark Cranham

The winning jockey said: “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.

“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 the 1m6f 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 lead inside the final furlong. They were chased home by Saeed Bin Suroor’s Dubai Horizon with Dubhe, a stable companion of the winner, third giving Godolphin a 1-2-3.

Charlie Appleby: good day for the Newmarket trainerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Appleby said: "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.”

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

Bin Ghadyer suggested Dee Ex Bee was only "about 70 per cent fit" for his Dubai debut, and the five-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 6f Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint, winning aboard Gladiator King for Satish Seemar.

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