Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby dominates Dubai Carnival, mirroring Willie Mullins’ dominance in racing.

Friday afternoons at Meydan used to be an attractive alternative option for those in search of competitive racing, but it’s sad to relate that too has become a thing of the past. The Dubai Racing Carnival has gone the same way as jumping. What was once a series of beguiling turf races has become a procession, with Appleby streets ahead. The opposition must be as demoralized as those rivals who chase Mullins’ horses in vain.

Appleby’s stats are nothing short of astonishing. Even his bare strike-rate of 21 winners from 52 runners does not tell the full story as those 21 winners have come in just 31 races that he has contested. He has saddled the first two home on five occasions.