Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby praised the battling spirit of Tryster as his big hope ran third in the competitive Dubai Turf.

The five-year-old was a leading contender in the Dubai World Cup for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai.

But he left a charge too late over 1,800 metres on turf, to finish behind Euro Charline and winner Real Steel at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.

“It would have been nice, but I wasn’t disappointed as the horse ran such a brave race,” said Appleby. “In Group One company, it is hard work for him.

“He has battled hard to finish third. But you cannot give 15 lengths to those horses. He quickened well, but Group One horses do not come back to you. What I was pleased with is that I could see he could be competitive at a decent level. They’ve gone a solid gallop.

“That is the first time he has encountered that. The winner has been third or fourth all race.”

Real Steel’s triumph in the $6 million event continued a Japanese tradition of success in the Turf, as he became the third winner from that country.

Shunsuko Watanabe, a representative of owners Sunday Racing Co Ltd, believed the four-year-old has a bright future.

He said: “He hasn’t won the Group One stakes in Japan, but we always thought he was a good horse. He can improve even more this year.”