'He was brilliant' - Lord Glitters rolls back the years with Group 2 success

Lord Glitters bounced back to his marvellous best with a barnstorming victory in the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes, setting up a possible tilt at the Group 1 Dubai Turf.

The eight-year-old had not won since his victory in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2019, but he proved his recent downturn in form in Britain to be only temporary under Adrie de Vries.

The grey was left at the back of the field in the early stages due to a fast early pace set by Mythical Magic, but he began to pick off rivals around the home turn and eased clear inside the final furlong, winning by three lengths.

Trainer David O'Meara said: "He was brilliant. The race fell right for him but Adrie gave him a great ride. He ran a lovely race in Bahrain in November when it wasn't run to suit."

Lord Glitters was behind Almond Eye in the 2019 Dubai Turf only two starts before his career-defining success over the straight mile at Royal Ascot.

"The fact he's eight now but is still able to run to that sort of level is amazing," O'Meara added. "That was a hell of run and we know he likes the track.

"We'd love to get back to World Cup night and there's a few nice races for him through the carnival before we get there."

Paddy Power cut Lord Glitters into 6-1 for the Dubai Turf following the success.

Street's 'Group 1 performance'

Walton Street dismantled his 13 rivals in the 1m4f Listed handicap to give trainer Charlie Appleby his first winner of the 2021 carnival.

The seven-year-old was also a winner at Listed level at Newmarket in September and carried that form forward here with a blazing display off the home bend to win by five lengths under William Buick.

Walton Street: a decisive winner under William Buick at MeydanCredit: Cedric Lane

"That was a really good performance," Buick said. "He was dominant when he won at Newmarket and he's lightly raced for his age. He felt like he had a lot of zest there. That was a Group 1 performance in a handicap."

Dettori off the mark

Frankie Dettori recorded a double on his return to the carnival after Land Of Legend won the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort before the Charlie Hills-trained Equilateral took the concluding 5f handicap.

On the victory of Land Of Legend, Dettori said: "I had a perfect trip. I sat behind the leaders and found the split at the right time. Actually, I was probably going too good and getting there too soon.

"It was a good effort, but everything fell right, we had a good draw and found a nice rhythm but these races are very competitive. If you ran it ten times you’d get ten different results.

"Honestly, I'm delighted. We had high hopes all night and we managed to get one in our last race together today so I’m pleased for Saeed [bin Suroor, trainer] and the team."

The pair of successes were the first of what is set to be a prolonged winter period in the UAE for Dettori, who is also aiming to ride at next month's Saudi Cup meeting in Riyadh.

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