Mendip reigns in Maktoum Challenge

Report: UAE, Thursday

Meydan: Al Maktoum Challenge R2 Sponsored By Dubal (Group 2) 1m1½f, Tapeta 3yo+

MENDIP ground his way to victory under Kieren Fallon, continuing Saeed Bin Suroor's fantastic form at the meeting with a fourth winner from the five thoroughbred races.

The five-year-old had finished fourth in round one of the Challenge and demonstrated he had improved for the outing, holding off Haatheq as favourite Master Of Hounds finished third.

It was Mike de Kock's other runner, Hunting Tower, who cut out the running, setting a decent tempo with Master Of Hounds sat in midfield.

Turning for home Dubai Prince, who had been settled against the rail, took the lead with Haatheq also challenging and the gap appearing between runners for Master Of Hounds.

However, the favourite could not find a change of pace as Mendip battled to the front for Fallon, giving Bin Suroor another victory on the card.

The jockey said: "He's a bautiful horse to ride, he needed the run last time but has bounced back. He had a lot in hand."