Mike De Kock sent out the winners of the two featured races on Thursday at Nad Al Sheba race course. Thursday's card marked the fourth day of the Dubai Racing Carnival.

The South African training legend saddled Lucky Find who won the second round of the Maktoum Challenge. It was an encore. Lucky Find was a winner on opening night. Jockey Kevin Shea and Lucky Find beat Kandidate and Ryan Moore with a measure of comfort. The pair put considerable separation as they fought the issue out in the last 400 metres. In the end, Lucky Finf found more to win drawing away. Kandidate is a previous winner of the Maktoum Challenge. Jack Sullivan, twice winner, finished fourth.

De Kock was delighted. "He is a very nice horse. We had really hoped he would thrive in Dubai. He's good on turf but better on dirt. He improved a great deal since winning at the beginning of the carnival. The next round (Maktoum Challenge) may be the next stop with the World Cup in our sights."

Sun Classique, also ridden by Kevin Shea, gave De Kock a training double. Sun Classique won the Listed Cape Verdi Stakes.

Santa Anita hosts the 2008 Breeders' Cup races. An announcement from the BC Limited on Thursday gave Santa Anita the 2009 BC races as well. This is the first time in BC history that a track will hold the races two years in succession.

Sherwood Chilingworth, the Executive Vice President of the Oak Tree Racing Association, expressed his sentiments this way, "We're pleased that the BC has placed this confidence in our Association and the Santa Anita management. We are delighted that we will be holding it in consecutive years."

William Farish, the BC Limited chairman, said, "We are excited. California is the second largest market. Santa Anita is a fantastic avenue. The Oak Tree Association is a great partner."

The Oak Tree Racing Association is a group that runs its dates at Santa Anita.

Santa Anita has already held the BC races three times-in 1986, 1993 and 2003.

Fans in India may already know that Richard Hughes, in Mumbai over the Derby weekend, has been riding in 'jumps' races this winter in England. Hughes had a winner at Ascot in December. On Saturday, Richard Hughes will be aboard Blue Bajan in the Totesport Trophy at Newbury Race Course.

Kieren Fallon has struck a partnership with Sir Michael Stoute. While awaiting a decision from France-Galop on the 18-month ban for a drug infraction, Fallon will be an exercise rider for Stoute's horses. He will be based in Newmarket.

Fallon said, "I really like Newmarket. I love being at Sir Michael's stable. I had some of my best times with Stoute and at Newmarket. I am sure I will enjoy being a work rider."

Kieren Fallon was with Stoute from 2000 until February 2005 when he joined hands with Aidan O'Brien. Fallon rode Kris Kin to victory in the 2003 Vodafone (Epsom) Derby and won again in 2004 with Stoute's North Light. In 2004, Fallon also rode Ouija Board to a win in the Oaks.