Hong Kong-based rider Aaron Gryder, who had his licence extended until the end of the season last Wednesday, made a successful raid on the Dubai Meydan Masters Series, winning the opening leg on Alazeyab on Friday night. Gryder was invited to participate in the series after winning last year's Dubai World Cup aboard Well Armed and joined jockeys from all over the world in the four-leg event similar to Hong Kong's International Jockeys' Championship. The American took an early lead with a win at his first ride, but was soon overhauled by eventual winner Richard Hills, who won the second leg on Sirocco Breeze, before securing minor placings later in the night. Gryder was originally granted a licence to ride here until March 15, but the licensing committee have since extended his contract until the end of the current season.
