Dubai: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited-bred Sheikhzayedroad is set for a major international campaign after winning a thrilling renewal of the Group 2 Skybet York Stakes at the North Yorkshire racecourse on Saturday.

Trained by David Simcock for Dubai businessman Mohammad Jaber, the five-year-old son of Dubawi found another gear in the final 100 metres to edge Secret Gesture and favourite Windhoek in the 2,000-metre contest. The winner was ridden by Martin Lane.

Muthmir looked very much a horse on the up after storming home under Graham Lee to win the fiercely contested Skybet Dash over six furlongs, the afternoon’s main support race.

The winner raced in the colours of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and was trained by William Haggas.

Rabbah Bloodstock manages the racing interests of friends and business associates of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Favourite Windhoek drew alongside and edged into the lead a furlong out under Kieren Fallon, but all the while Sheikhzayedroad was edging towards the front pair and he struck 50 yards from the line to score by a neck.

Simcock, who campaigned Sheikhzayedroad in Dubai during the Carnival to win once in four starts, is eyeing the Can-adian International (G1) at Woodbine (October 19)

“That’s the long-term aim, but we’ll find something else for him in between,” he told Channel 4 Racing. “Hong Kong’s an option and he’ll go back to Dubai. He’ll have his Group Two penalty now so things will be tougher. As he’s got older he’s become an easier ride.”

Lane added: “I didn’t think we were going to get there until the final furlong but they went fast and the race couldn’t have been run to suit us any better.

“To win a big race like this is always great, but York is always one of my favourite tracks to ride at because of the enthusiastic crowds. It’s a special victory.”

Muthmir looked very much a horse on the up after storming home to win the fiercely contested Skybet Dash over six furlongs.