Southampton star Charlie Austin over the moon as Another Batt captures Dubai win
The top striker is battling relegation with his team but had reason to celebrate after the four-year-old won the £77,777.78 prize at Meydan racecourse
CHARLIE AUSTIN scored a brilliant victory at Meydan on Thursday after Another Batt hit the back of the net in a valuable seven furlong handicap.
The Southampton striker, who was charged by the FA after giving Man City fans two fingers last week, was delighted to see his four-year-old bound clear for an emphatic win at the Dubai racetrack.
Owned by syndicate Excel Racing, of which Austin is a member, the gelding was making his first start since finishing fourth in the Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day.
Despite being sent off an unconsidered 12-1 shot from a wide draw, the George Scott-trained improver showed a wicked turn of foot to see off some smart opposition.
A beaming Austin told Sky Sports Racing: "He's taken us all over the place. He won in Turkey and now he's won in Meydan.
"To have a runner at the (Dubai) Carnival is special, but to have a winner is delightful.
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"He ran on Champions Day, and at the end of the season I was wondering whether to sell him - but George (Scott) told me not to and stuck to his guns and made sure we didn't.
"We knew he would like the ground yesterday, and Connor (Beasley, jockey) gave him a great ride."
Austin, who also owns handicapper High Acclaim, is now looking for bigger prizes on the Meydan sands.
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He added: "We're very pleased with him, and now we have to rethink what we're going to do. He'll stay out there now, and I think he'll have to go up to Group company. I think there's a race for him on January 24.
"I love the sport - it's something that I really enjoy - and I'm looking forward to the season ahead.
"Hopefully I can get to watch the horses - that would be nice - but we'll try and get out of this relegation battle at the moment."