The Mike De Kock-trained Biarritz (pictured) will carry the yellow and blue silks of his main patron Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum after topping the 2009 ERA Dubai International Racing Carnival Sale on Tuesday evening.

The South African-bred five-year-old was knocked down for 750,000 dirhams (about £140,000) to Darwish Al Bashri.

It was later confirmed Biarritz had been purchased on behalf of the Sheikh, whose colours have been carried to big race victory by the likes of Eagle Mountain, Archipenko, Asiatic Boy and Honour Devil.

Al Bashri also bought the second top lot, also from the De Kock draft, in Royal Vintage.

Last year's UAE Derby runner-up will also sport the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa colours after going through the ring for 370,000 dirhams (£67,000). He was buying out his partners in the four-year-old who has yet to show his best this year.

Twenty-six horses were listed as sold at an aggregate of 2,299,000 dirhams (£418,000), an average of 88,423 dirhams (£16,075).