William Buick made the best possible start as a retained jockey for the Godolphin team when winning the world's most valuable race on the veteran Prince Bishop at Meydan.
The eight-year-old, an unconsidered 14-1 shot, comprehensively defeated the talented American pair of California Chrome and Lea to spring a surprise in the Dubai World Cup.
Buick showed why he was head-hunted by Sheikh Mohammed as he cajoled Saeed bin Suroor's evergreen Prince Bishop to land the coveted prize after having been detached in the early stages.
Somehow, Buick got Prince Bishop into contention and lead a furlong and a half out to land the spoils by two and three-quarter lengths from last year's Kentucky Derby hero California Chrome, with Lea third.
Buick said: "We were detached last but we ended up travelling very well in the last turn.
"I feel a bit numb at the moment but I'm sure when I get home it will all sink in."
Bin Suroor had never lost faith in the horse.
He said: "I said to William that it doesn't matter if he jumps slow as usual, don't give up with him and see how he is with the kickback.
"This horse has class and he has a big heart."
It was a good night for France as they picked up two Group Ones.
Dolniya (7-1) led home a one-two for French-trained horses as she defeated Flintshire in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
Christophe Soumillon, completing a double after his success on Mubtaahij in the UAE Derby, enjoyed a perfect run on the rail to win by two and a quarter lengths on the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained filly.
The trainer said: "We have to think about the Arc.
"I think she's much better on better ground."
Solow (9-4) looked a top-class performer as he ran out a convincing winner of the Dubai Turf for Freddy Head.
Maxime Guyon took the grey gelding to the front a furlong out and he powered clear in the closing stages to win by four and a quarter lengths from The Grey Gatsby.
Head said: "He's one of best horses I've every trained.
"I will leave the place extremely happy thinking he could be a world champion and that he will come back here next year.
"We'll possibly think of Royal Ascot for him as his next race."
Kevin Ryan said of The Grey Gatsby: "We will look now to run him in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh and then take him to Royal Ascot for the Prince of Wales's Stakes."
Sole Power (11-2) finally won the Al Quoz Sprint at the fifth attempt with a customary late surge in the five-furlong Group One.
Richard Hughes left his challenge late on the Eddie Lynam-trained eight-year-old to collar Peniaphobia inside the dying strides and win by half a length.
The County Meath handler said: "He's just come to himself. On his day, he was always capable of doing it.
"If I could, I'd love him to do it at Royal Ascot as well."
The Tom Dascombe-trained Brown Panther (4-1 favourite) struck in convincing style for his breeder and joint-owner Michael Owen in the Dubai Gold Cup.
Once Richard Kingscote kicked on three furlongs from home, the race was as good as over as he bounded clear to take the Group Two honours by three and a quarter lengths from Star Empire.
Owen said: "He's been a superstar from day one and this man (Dascombe) has trained him to perfection.
"He's a special horse. I'll probably never replace a horse like this."
The other Group One sprint on the card, the six-furlong Dubai Golden Shaheen, went to Secret Circle (100-30), trained in America by Bob Baffert and ridden by Victor Espinoza.
Mubtaahij (9-4 joint-favourite) could be heading for the Kentucky Derby after turning the UAE Derby into a procession as he won by eight lengths under Soumillon.
Trainer Mike de Kock said: "He's given us the chance to get to Kentucky for the Derby and that will be living the dream."
Tamarkuz (even-money favourite) overcame a slow start to narrowly justify favouritism in the Godolphin Mile in the hands of Paul Hanagan.
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