MIKE de Kock, who said on Saturday morning that he’d be happy to come away from the world’s richest race meeting with a pair of seconds, got exactly that, plus a third and a fourth at what was also arguably the most competitive Dubai World Cup renewal in many years.

Mutahadee (Christophe Soumillon) secured second place to speedy winner Cityscape in the $US5 million Dubai Duty Free over 1800m, Viscount Nelson (Kevin Shea) ran on well for second to another runaway winner African Story in the $1 million Gododlphin Mile and strong finishing efforts also saw Mickdaam (4th, $2 million UAE Derby, 1900m) and Zanzamar (3rd,$1 Smillion Dubai Gold Cup, 3200m), take away some of the loot on offer, on the night.

Master Of Hounds tried his best in the $10 million Dubai World Cup and featured among the front runners for a long time, but his best was just simply not good enough and he faded into midfield behind Godolphin’s winner Monterosso.

The headline photo by Andrew Watkins shows Zanzamar (nearest camera), flying up for third under Richard Hills, who retired from race riding after a distinguished career and will be staying on as work rider and consultant to Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell racing team.

The stable enjoyed another good Carnival, with 10 winners and 27 places from 73 runs.