Mike de Kock supplied the first overseas winner of the Dubai Carnival on its opening night last Thursday when the South African-bred nine-year-old Second Empire gelding Star Empire won a  2000m turf handicap, which carried a stake of US$150,000.

He finished fast under Sam Hitchcott, who was having his first ride for De Kock, to deny Elleval from Ireland.
“We knew he was in good shape because he had been working well,” said De Kock. “The 3200m Dubai Gold Cup is his main target on Dubai World Cup night but this win gives us a few more things to consider as he has won over such a short trip.”

De Kock also finished third and seventh in the race with the South African-breds Sanshaawes and Atomic Rush.
By David Thiselton