Hunter's Light Provides Godolphin's Third Success

Hunter's Light quickened up well for an impressive success under top-weight in the 10-furlong Emirates Global Aluminium Potlines Handicap on turf at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, January 29.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained seven-year-old, having his first start for 10 months, broke on terms under James Doyle and sat seventh and then eighth towards the outside among the 13-strong field.

The Dubawi horse was switched out wide to make a challenge after straightening up and quickened smartly to go into the lead approaching the final furlong.

Hunter's Light ran on well, under a hands and heels ride to win convincingly by a length and a quarter in 2m 2.61s.

Saeed bin Suroor said: "Hunter's Light ran very well and I am happy to see him back in the winner's enclosure.

"We are intending to go next for the Listed Dubai Millennium Stakes, also over a mile and quarter, on February 19.

"It was good to have two winners this evening, with I'm Back also pleasing."

James Doyle, celebrating three wins for Godolphin on the evening, declared: "These races aren't easy to win so when you have three winners on one day it is a nice feeling.

"I think Hunter's Light is definitely capable of going back to Group-race company. He is a solid Group performer.

"He had his troubles out here last season. To be fair, when they swung in turning for home in the Duty Free last year, he looked like he was going to run a big race.

"The ability has always been there and hopefully today's race will just sweeten him up a bit. Going back into a handicap will have given him some confidence and will make life a bit easier for him. Hopefully, he can build on this performance."

I'm Back (Saeed bin Suroor/James Doyle) in the Emirates Global Aluminium Trophy Handicap and Ahtoug (Charlie Appleby/James Doyle) in the Emirates Global Aluminium Excellence Trophy Handicap were the two other Godolphin victors during the evening.