Mysterious Night times it right in Listed Business Bay Challenge

Mysterious Night picked up another win over Meydan’s seven-furlong turf course as he collared Khanjar close home in the Listed Business Bay Challenge on Friday, 19 December.

The G1-winning five-year-old had finished first or second in all but one of his five previous course and distance appearances for Charlie Appleby, including winning a handicap and the G2 Al Fahidi Fort at the start of 2024.

Making his first start since March, Mysterious Night was smartly into his stride and tracked Giustino and Khanjar in third. William Buick closed to press the leading duo just inside the final furlong, with Mysterious Night getting the measure of a rallying Khanjar near the line for a head verdict.

Charlie Appleby said: “Mysterious Night’s homework had been good and, as we know, he was a consistent horse here last winter without getting his head in front, so I felt once William gave him the office, it was his chance to go and do it tonight. Full credit to the horse, jockey, and team out here for getting him ready.

“I was fairly confident that Mysterious Night was fit coming into this evening, although you cannot beat having a race under your belt. We will see what Will says in terms of whether we stay at this trip or step up for the Zabeel Mile.”

William Buick said: “Mysterious Night gave me everything tonight and that bit of give underfoot probably helped him. He ran well out here last winter in a couple of races, when things did not really go his way, whereas today he jumped well and I was able to put him where he needed to be. I know he did not win by far, but I always felt that I was going to get past.”