Yard-Arm takes fine win in Dubai

Yard-Arm galloped to an impressive all-the-way victory in the Al Fahidi Fort today, the feature event of the fifth meeting of the Dubai International Carnival.

The five-year-old South African runner defied a Group One penalty in great style under Weichong Marwing to beat Checkit and Latino Magic.

Yard-Arm was keen in the early stages of the Group Three contest but soon settled into a comfortable stride, and though the pack threatened to close in the last quarter-mile, Marwing had plenty up his sleeve.

After the one-mile turf race, trainer Mike De Kock said: “He was probably only about 85% fit, as the World Cup is his real target.

“He has won twice on dirt already, so the surface is not a concern. He is an exciting horse.”