Arabian Light narrowly eclipsed in G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes

Arabian Light went agonisingly close to a first Group race victory as he went down by a nose after veering across the course in the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 30 January.

Aiming to follow up a course-and-distance handicap win at the start of the year, the Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old was steadied towards the rear of the seven runners as Fort George and Miss Of Change battled for the early lead.

Arabian Light tracked stablemate By The Book turning for home and the duo looked poised to challenge when Fort George kicked for home two furlongs out.

Fort George continued to find in front, with Billy Loughnane producing Arabian Light wide to join the leader passing the furlong pole.

Little separated Fort George and Arabian Light throughout the closing stages, although the Godolphin runner hindered his chances as he drifted markedly towards the centre of the track.

Fort George was handed the verdict in a photo finish, with the front two pulling five and a quarter lengths clear of By The Book in third.