Richard Hughes to ride Sole Power in Meydan’s Al Quoz Sprint

Sole Power will have Richard Hughes on his back when he attempts to win Meydan's Al Quoz Sprint at the fifth attempt on this Saturday's Dubai World Cup card.

Eddie Lynam’s star sprinter flies the Irish flag on the hugely valuable international card but has yet to win in Dubai.

That record includes four previous attempts on the Al Quoz, a race in which he was seventh to Amber Sky last year. Sole Power was runner up to Ortensia in 2012. He was fourth to Shea Shea in 2013 and 14th in 2011.

However the veteran enjoyed a career best season in 2014 when Hughes rode him to win the Kings Stand Stakes and the Nunthorpe.

Sole Power was out of the money on his return to action earlier this month but Lynam reported: “I was a bit disappointed with his last run. He’s in good heart now though and I’m hopeful of a good run.

“I’m glad to have Richard Hughes and he’ll have an English campaign this year.”

Sole Power is Irish racing’s reigning “Horse of the Year” having picked up the award at a Horse Racing Ireland ceremony last December.