ISSUE 834 22nd February 2024 MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST FEMALE TO RIDE A WINNER OSBORNE SAFFIE AT MEYDAN SUPER-SUB MULLEN STARS IN VALUABLE ABU DHABI SHOWPIECE FREE DRC PICK 7 FORM INSIDE
To book a nomination, contact Will Wright: +44 (0)7787 422901 | [email protected] | Discover more about the Shadwell stallion roster on our website shadwellstud.com THE HIGHEST-RATED TURF HORSE IN THE WORLD FOR A DECADE The best on turf since Frankel OFFICIAL RATING: 135 6 brilliant Group 1 victories World Champion turf horse and miler in 2022 CHAMPION OF THE TURF A star-studded debut book, supported by many of the world’s leading breeders AN EXCEPTIONAL FIRST BOOK OF MARES
FROM THE EDITOR adiyat racing plus.com 3 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 — OSBORNES AT HOME IN THE GULF AS SAFFIE ENJOYS A SLICE OF HISTORY As much as she tried to play down the achievement – and understandably so in an age where equality between the sexes is paramount – becoming the first female to ride a winner at Meydan Racecourse was a landmark moment for Saffie Osborne. Aboard a horse trained by her father Jamie and owned, in part, by mother Katie, Friday night represented a fabulous evening for team Osborne as Ouzo scythed through his rivals to create a moment of history. A Carnival winner of any type is a wonderful moment, but when there is such a huge family involvement, there is a special resonance; the joyous and jubilant scenes when Ouzo returned to the winner’s enclosure for the second time this season were testament of that. The outpouring of emotions, encompassing pride, love, relief and sheer exultation were also evident for all to witness as Saffie’s achievement lit up Meydan and was greeted with unbridled joy by connections. Sadly, Jamie Osborne wasn’t present for Ouzo’s win as his presence was demanded in Qatar where he oversaw the preparation of Emaraaty Ana in the Group 3 Dukhan Print the following day. There was no time for mass celebration for his 21-year-old daughter and jockey either as Saffie hotfooted it out of Dubai on a late flight so they she could take the ride. The in-form duo couldn’t repeat the trick less than 24 hours later, could they? What’s the saying; when you’re hot, you’re hot. The adage was certainly born out in Qatar as Emaraaty Ana prevailed by a head under another magnificent ride, encouraging Osborne senior to quip about his daughter; "She spent most of her life being a liability and at last it appears like she’s proving to be an asset!” Osborne has been a long-term supporter of racing in Dubai and only last month went on record praising the Dubai Racing Club for developing a Carnival which allows horses trained at Meydan to tackle other assignments in the Middle East. Many who saw his recent social media video will have felt his frustrations as two high-profile runners, Sean and Solid Stone, were mowed down in the closing strides by a Godolphin winner. However, this weekend’s achievements will have gone a long way to healing those frustrations and it was great to see Osborne recognise the outstanding efforts of long-term ally and assisant Jimmy McCarthy who has overseen the training regimes and preparation of the stable’s team of Dubai horses. Who is to say that with two Carnival wins and a Qatar Group 3 already in the bag, further victories for the family this season are a realistic aim. After this weekend, it’s an Osborne’s world, we’re just living in it. — Sam Turner English Editor
adiyat racing plus.com 4 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 A thrilling victory on Friday sees Saffie Osborne become the first female rider to partner a winner at Dubai’s iconic venue, while Ouzo is the first leg of a Middle East double after Emaraaty Ana scores for the youngster in Qatar. ENDURANCE 6-7 Sheikh Mohammed Festival gets underway with Ladies ride. IN FOCUS 10-13 Saffie realises Middle Eastern dream with historic first win. COVER LANDMARK SUCCESS! 21-year-old creates history at Meydan Racecourse At home with the Osbornes. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 3 COVER PHOTO: RENNU VINOD
adiyat racing plus.com 5 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 Meydan Review 14-17 A Beautiful night in Dubai as Love is in the air. Dubai Racing Carnival 20-24 Stellar night of Group race action at Meydan Racecourse features G2 Balanchine and Singspiel Stakes. ABU DHABI REVIEW 26-30 ABU DHABI PREVIEW 32-33 AL AIN REVIEW 34-35 AL AIN PREVIEW 36-37 QATAR REVIEW 38-39 SHOW JUMPING 52-53 COLUMNISTS 54-58 LAST WORD 61 FACES AT THE RACES 62-63 MANAGING EDITOR Taha A Taha ENGLISH EDITOR Sam Turner ASSISTANT EDITOR Duane Fonseca WRITERS Mohammed Omer Khuzaima Al Habeeb Mehiar Elmahi Thamer Abdalla ART DIRECTOR Mohammad Juma DESIGNERS Nadim Ahmed Arif Ahmed Alzarooni Nisar Shaikh Navas Muhammed CREATIVE DIRECTOR Abdulla Khalifa Ismail KV Taha Omar LIBRARY & PHOTOGRAPHERS Ali Juma ADVERTISING/MARKETING [email protected] WEBSITE Osama Shousha PRODUCTION Ashraf Ali Gamal Fouda For editorial, contact: [email protected] SAUDI CUP 40-47 Andrew Hawkins dissects the runners for the world’s richest race in a horse-by-horse guide.
6 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 HH SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM ENDURANCE FESTIVAL adiyat racing plus.com WE ARE ALWAYS ON TOP OF OUR GAME WHEN IT COMES TO ORGANISING AN EVENT OF THE CALIBRE OF THE HH SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM ENDURANCE FESTIVAL —DR. MOHAMMED ESSA AL ADHAB. By Duane Fonseca The 2024 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival took off in style at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salaam on Tuesday with a tenacious final loop performance from Argentina’s Martina Spelanzon aboard Romero enabling the mighty M7 Endurance Stables to draw first blood with victory in the 101km Ladies Ride and give the world-renowned meeting of endurance riding a flying start. The week-long Festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former world championship winning rider and one of the world’s most ardent supporters and benefactors of the sport. The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival comprises four rides in all: the 101km Private Stables competition on (Feb 21), a day after this issue went to press, the 119km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares (Feb 22) and the showpiece HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup sponsored by Emirates on February 24th. Speaking at the press conference to announce the event, Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, the General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, said his organisation was committed to delivering another spectacular event. Dr. Al Adhab said. “We are always on top of our game when it comes to organising an event of the calibre of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, which is one of the most-anticipated events on the world endurance calendar. We look forward to welcoming riders from around the world and wish everyone involved all the very best in their endeavours. “I thank HH Sheikh Mohammed for his unwavering support of endurance events over the years and this festival is a fitting tribute to his contributions to the sport both as a rider and patron over the years.” Adel Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior VP Commercial Operations Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia, said: “Emirates Airlines partners with many horseracing clubs and tracks around the world, and our sponsorship of this race is only an affirmation of our commitment to this wonderful sport. SHEIKH MOHAMMED FESTIVAL GETS UNDERWAY WITH SPELANZON, ROMERO WINNING LADIES EVENT
7 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 HH SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM ENDURANCE FESTIVAL adiyat racing plus.com Our sponsorship of racing includes the Dubai World Cup, as well as Godolphin Stables, from which the strongest horses graduate.” Dr Ghanem Al Hajri of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation was also present during the press conference. The Ladies Ride witnessed Spelanzon and Romero keeping close to the summit, taking fifth after the opening 35km loop. Al Aasfa Stables pair of Shamma Darwish Al Shihi and Malika Wajir 13 led the table, but surrendered the advantage to F3’s Rawdha Nasser Al Dookhi riding Hillstone Az’ar after the second. Al Dookhi and her mount managed to hold on to the summit during the third loop, even as Spelanzon and Romero moved into third during the second and maintained their position going into the final phase spanning 20km. The pair had a deficit of nearly two minutes to erase, but with great tactical application and a pacy final round effort they easily managed to reel in the frontrunners, who succumbed to the pressure and finished 10th. An average speed of 29.86kph enabled Spelanzon and Romero to clock the winning time of three hours, 22 minutes and 55 seconds (3:22:55), which was a mere two seconds quicker than the 3:22:57 secondplaced Al Shihi and Malikan Wajir 13 were timed at. Another Emirati rider Shamma Abdulaziz Al Tawash filled out the third spot on the podium after completing the ride aboard F3’s A’Bandom’s Rockabilly in 3:23:13. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride (Ladies Top 3) Pos Rider Nat Horse Stable Time 1. Martina Spelanzon ARG Romero M7 3:22:55 2. Shamma Darwish Al Shihi UAE Malikan Wajir 13 Al Aasfa 3:22:57 3. Shamma Abdulaziz Al Tawash UAE A’Bandom’s Rockabilly F3 3:23:13 Spelanzon and Romero win Dr Al Adhab is flanked by Emirates’ Adel Al Ghaith (left) and Dr Ghanem Al Hajri of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation
JENNIFER LAWRENCE MINI DOLCEVITA
9 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com LONGINES HAS BEEN A HUGELY VALUABLE SUPPORTER OF RACING AND EQUESTRIAN SPORT IN DUBAI FOR MANY YEARS — DR. AL ADHAB, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DUBAI RACING CLUB. Swiss watchmaker Longines will present one of the premier meetings of the Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse this Friday. The fixture boasts twin feature races, with the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes and the Group 2 Balanchine Stakes taking centre-stage. The former, over 1800m on turf, was won last year by the Charlie Appleby-trained Valiant Prince whose stablemate, With The Moonlight, captured the Balanchine, an 1800m turf event for fillies and mares. Both races have attracted an international cast of horses. Longines, which has been based in SaintImier, Switzerland since 1832, is one of the world’s best-known watchmakers. Their support for equestrian sport is considerable and extends to other equestrian disciplines such as Show Jumping, while their backing of Dubai Racing Club includes the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, one of the world’s most valuable turf races. Last year it was won by Japanese star Equinox who was later crowned the Longines World’s Best Racehorse for 2023. PLENTY OF QUALITY ON SHOW The supporting seven races all have plenty of quality, with some of the best three-yearold fillies clashing in the G3 UAE Oaks, over 1900m on dirt, while the Listed Al Bastakiya, for three-year-old colts, is a prep for the G2 UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup day. The G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy, over 2810m on turf, is a prep and qualifying race for the G2 Dubai Gold Cup, also run on March 30th. Patrick Aoun, Longines Regional Brand Manager for the Middle East and South East Asia, said: “Longines continues to be a dedicated supporter of equestrian sports EXCITING SINGSPIEL, BALANCHINE, OAKS CARD TO BE SPONSORED BY LONGINES and is proud to be associated with nine races that day as the Official Timekeeper and Title Partner at Meydan Racecourse. Together with the finest equestrian talents, Longines keeps on sharing the exacting standards of excellence and elegance, reinforcing its privileged relationship that permeates all levels of horseracing.” “Longines has been a hugely valuable supporter of racing and equestrian sport in Dubai for many years,” commented Major General Dr Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Executive Director of Dubai Racing Club. “Their beautiful timepieces are synonymous with excellence and precision – a perfect fit for horse racing at the highest level. We look forward to welcoming the Longines team and their guests back to Meydan Racecourse for one of the best meetings of the Carnival.” Friday’s action begins at 5:30pm.
10 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com ‘ABSOLUTELY EPIC’ AS CONFIDENCE-OUZING SAFFIE MAKES HISTORY I WAS ONLY 11 WHEN TOAST OF NEW YORK WON THE (2014) UAE DERBY — SAFFIE. By Duane Fonseca Meydan Racecourse’s wait for a first female winner ended on Friday night after Saffie Osborne made history by becoming the first female to ride a winner in the 14-year history of Dubai’s marquee racing venue. The English rider achieved the feat when Ouzo, trained by her father, Jamie, burst through late on to capture the 1800m Lord Glitters Handicap (turf), the pick of the nine events on the programme. Saffie, 21, described the feeling of winning for the first time at Meydan as “absolutely epic” and she hopes now that the ice has been broken there will be many more. “I’ve grown up watching people ride big winners here. And I’ve watched dad train plenty of trainers here. It’s absolutely epic,” Saffie told Adiyat Racing Plus. “I was laughing with dad earlier that it had been 10 years; I was only 11 when Toast Of New York won the (2014) UAE Derby. “If you told me then that 10 years later I’d be here riding a winner and would have the privilege of riding some really good horses here, I wouldn’t have believed you. “It’s something every jockey dreams of doing. And now that I’ve had the first winner, I’d like to think I can ride some bigger and better winners and hopefully we’ve got some really smart horses to do that with.” Ouzo definitely seems the smart type. It was a second-straight Meydan success for the eight-year-old Charm Spirit gelding, who won the Lord North Handicap on his previous start over course and distance under Adrie de Vries. Furthermore, victory in the Lord Glitters Handicap was a third-consecutive win for Ouzo, who won a handicap at Ascot in September. Ridden towards the back of the field, Ouzo turned for home, staring into the backs of the Charlie Appleby-schooled Highbank (Richard Mullen) and George Boughey’s Naxos (Pat Dobbs). Saffie’s main job in the saddle was to find space for Ouzo in the straight, but her Ouzo
11 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com SAFFIE OSBORNE: I THINK BEING COMPETITIVE IS BRED INTO ME. MY PARENTS ALWAYS JOKED THAT THEY HAD BRED A COMPETITIVE HYBRID. job got tad easier when good fortune found the her, with a gap emerging between the railhugging Highbank and Naxos, which would be was exploited well by Saffie aboard Ouzo after Highbank and his Godolphin teammate and stable companion First Sight (William Buick) made their bids, Highbank holding the rail and First Sight much to his outside. When Naxos started to fade, Saffie moved Ouzo into top gear and the pair flew during the final 200m, denying the Appleby-trained Godolphin pair by a length. Highbank and First Sight finished a short head apart of each other in second and third respectively. Speaking of her ride, Saffie said: “He jumped really quick and I thought there would be a lot of early pace, but I didn’t really want to get involved with it and I was lucky to get the position I wanted. “They went really hard and it was just a case of trying to pick the right horse to follow in the straight. He was really tenacious and brave to take the gaps when he did. I’ve never met a horse with such a competitive nature. He never runs a bad race and he absolutely loves racing. To do it off a career high mark of 102 is very impressive. All credit to (Assistant Trainer) Jimmy McCarthy and dad’s team for getting him spot on as he’s a hard horse to get right.” In her four years, Saffie has ridden a total of 168 British winners, with 2023 her best year in the saddle when she scored 70 times in 585 runs. And she would follow up her historic Meydan success with victory aboard another Jamie Osborne-trainee in Emaraaty Ana in the Group 3 Dukhan Sprint in Doha the following day. Saffie added: “I think being competitive is bred into me. My dad always joked that the only person more competitive than him he’d ever met was my mother. So they always joked that they had bred a competitive hybrid. “I’ve learned to deal with the disappointments better as the years have gone on. I was probably not very good at riding when I started out, but I think I’ve started to get good at it. This is the reason you do it everyday to ride winners like this.”
Meydan Racecourse. LIVE THE THRILL Join us for an exciting night of horse racing! Experience the atmosphere of thrilling sport with exceptional dining. Come and be a part of the excitement from AED 65 only! Hospitality packages start from AED 295. Book now or call +971 4 327 2110 dubairacingclub.com 10 Nov - 8 Mar DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL
13 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com Saffie Osborne enjoyed a magical 24 hours in the saddle when winning two prized events in what turned out to be a sweet ‘Gulf Swing’, by becoming the first ever female to ride a winner at Dubai’s iconic Meydan Racecourse and following up that achievement with a terrific Group level win in neighbouring Qatar. Here’s a look at the youngster’s four-year-old career in the saddle. BORNE TO RIDE Did you know? Saffie was a member of the winning ‘Girls’ team in the 2023 Shergar Cup, her first time participating in the event. Name: Saffie Osborne 3: Group 3 winners 1: Listed success 168: British winners First winner: Hot Scoop, Novice event at Windsor Father: Jamie Osborne (former National Hunt jockey, trainer) Mother: Katie O’Sullivan (equine artist) First season as pro: 2023 Last Winner: Emaraaty Ana, G3 Dukhan Sprint at Doha
14 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com Beautiful Love
15 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com BUICK NURSING BEAUTIFUL EUROPEAN DREAMS FOR LOVE By Duane Fonseca Prolific Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby might have been denied a second-straight success in the Lord Glitters Handicap, the feature event of Friday night’s racing at Meydan. However, it might not have bothered the Newmarket-based conditioner, who unearthed another three-year-old gem in Beautiful Love, the massive six length victor of the 1600m Defender 130 winnerrestricted contest which was one of the main events on the undercard. The Siyouni filly was one of three in the field of 11 to have won before and made the most of a weight allowance that included a chunky 6.5kgs from the Fawzi Nass-trained Athan, who was penalised heavily for her South American breeding. Beautiful Love was a touch slow breaking and raced in last early on with her rider giving her a nudge to bring her up to speed and settle her mid-field to a pace that was set by Bhupat Seemar’s Cabrit (Andrew Slattery). Carbit looked good, but Buick and his mount were coasting and enjoyed a beautiful, unhindered run. They were fifth straightening up and after Buick popped the question early on Beautiful Love responded to eat up ground quickly with a sweet lengthening stride that allowed her to breeze down the centre of the track and to a stunning six length success. A rapidly-weakening Carbit finished fourth as Fawzi Nass’ Athan took over second under Adrie de Vries, with Ahmad bin Harmash’s Tohoku finishing a further two-and-a-half lengths adrift in third under Connor Beasley. Buick said: “Beautiful Love is a very nice filly. When she ran over seven furlongs last time (in the Jumeirah Fillies’ Classic), it was always going to be a bit sharp for her. You could see today, even though they went at a strong pace for the grade, that she will enjoy stepping up in trip again to a mile and a quarter. “She is still improving and I think she is a filly that could be seen in some nice company back in Europe.” DOUBLES FOR DOUG AND DOBBS AS NYAAR CALLS OUT A BLUFF Doug Watson’s Nyaar disposed of the old superstition ‘three times a bridesmaid, never a bride’ when winning the Defender 130 Outbound Edition 1600m maiden with a terrific late kick under Pat Dobbs, who had thrice earlier piloted the four-year-old Munnings colt to a runners up finish before this. It was the longest trip Nyaar had ever been BEAUTIFUL LOVE IS A VERY NICE FILLY. YOU COULD SEE TODAY SHE IS STILL IMPROVING AND I THINK SHE IS A FILLY THAT COULD BE SEEN IN SOME NICE COMPANY BACK IN EUROPE —WILLIAM BUICK.
16 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com assigned in his nine previous starts and he seemed to want more than the sprint distances after making his intentions clear with sweeping late runs that saw him fill second on the podium. Making most of a lovely position along the rail, Dobbs shook Nyaar up to get him to power home and outpace Bhupat Seemar’s Mezzotinto (Tadhg O’Shea) before seeing off a spirited challenge from Ahmad bin Harmash’s Ezaj, who finished a length-anda-half back in second under Connor Beasley. Third-placed Mezzotinto was a further half length in arrears. HE’S BEEN CRYING OUT FOR A WIN, I WAS CONFIDENT: DOBBS Dobbs said: “He’s been crying out for (a win) and he was hitting the line well over seven furlongs (1400m), so I was confident he’d get it, although he’s bred to be a sprinter. He’s very straightforward. He can run at Jebel Ali, or here, it doesn’t really matter.” A little over 35 minutes later, McManaman obliged for the pair, winning the 1400m Defender 110X handicap (65-90) by finding that little bit extra needed to thwart the challenge of Changing Colours, a Musabbeh Al Mheiri trainee who finished a length behind in Sandro Paiva’s hands. Andreas Vesalius was a further three-and-a-half lengths back for Okbah Aashour and De Vries. Dobbs added: “He’s settled down a lot as he’s got older, he used to be a bit edgy. A good draw was important as he was able to track the pace. “It’s hard to find races for him as he’s not quite up to Listed class. Doug has improved them before at the age of six and seven so I see no reason why he can’t back it up.” AL MHEIRI SIGNS OFF WITH A LATE BRACE Emirati Al Mheiri was the other trainer to enjoy a double on the card and a late one at that with wins in the penultimate and concluding events. Oscar Chavez brought him a first on the evening partnering Asad Zabeel, who held on by a neck ahead of Shadwell teammate and stable companion Khanjar (Pinheiro), in the 1400m Land Rover 80-100 handicap, while later it was Richard Mullen who swooped in late to win the 2000m Defender 90 handicap (60-85) aboard Qareeb, a winner by three quarters of a length from Poster Paint (Seemar/Paiva). “You’re always delighted when you have a winner!” said Chavez. “He set off beautifully behind the leaders and they went hard early. No-one wanted to be on the inside so I was able to cut the corner and save some ground. The way he ran today, I’m sure he will improve.” Mullen added: “He’s very honest and he DOUG HAS IMPROVED THEM BEFORE AT THE AGE OF SIX AND SEVEN SO I SEE NO REASON WHY HE CAN’T BACK IT UP —PAT DOBBS. McManaman Nyaar (left)
17 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com RESULTS Race 1: Arkan Al Wathba Race 2: Beautiful Love Race 3: Nyaar Race 4: Mcmanaman Race 5: Lion’s Mane Race 6: Ouzo Race 7: Ashger Asser Race 8: Asad Zabeel Race 9: Qareeb tries very hard. He went down to the start very well and looked fantastic - he’s a credit to the team at Musabbeh’s yard.” WATHBA WIN OPENER The evening got underway with a frontrunning performance from Majed Al Jahoori’s Arkan Al Wathba in the card-opening 1200m Defender X-Dynamic Purebred Arabian maiden under Pinheiro, which the pair prevailed in by three-and-a-quarter lengths from Khalifa Al Neyadi’s Easy Lap (Sandro Paiva). Bin Harmash and Beasley were not to be outdone and scored in the 2200m Defender 110 County Edition 56-75 handicap, Lion’s Mane justifying his billing as favourite to roar home for the pair a length-and-aquarter ahead of Nass’ Military Option (Gabriele Malune). “He’s run a couple of good races here and we thought Jebel Ali would suit him last time, but it didn’t,” reportedly Beasley after win number 35 for the season. “He’s always showed us plenty in the mornings and I’m delighted he’s finally got the job done.” Ras Al Khaimah-based owner-trainer Rashed Bouresly clinched a 1-2 in the 1200m Defender 110 handicap (56-80, turf) courtesy of a first Meydan winner for Panamanian jockey Omar Salas, who ensured Ashger Asser held off teammate Shanaghai City (Oscar Chavez) by a head. “Thank you to the owners and trainer, thank you, thank you! It’s my first win in Meydan,” said Salas, who took his tally to four. Asad Zabeel Ashger Asser Qareeb Arkan Al Wathba
18 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com SAFFIE STEALS THE HEADLINES ON A NIGHT OF BEAUTIFUL LOVE AT MEYDAN By Angus McNae A meeting that will be remembered for Saffie Osborne becoming the first female to ride a winner at Meydan Racecourse. It was a memorable ride as well on Ouzo who has to be ridden patiently and delivered late. She executed the plan to perfection and this should be remembered for being a tremendous ride as well as an historic one. The strongest run race on the card was the Land Rover handicap on the dirt won by Asad Zabeel, who recorded a Finishing Speed percentage (FSP) of 99.05%. Qareeb, in the concluding defender 90 Handicap, won what was the most steadily run contest on the card recording an FSP of 106.19%. Beautiful Love If there was a future star on the card it will probably be Beautiful Love. This three-year-old filly completed her second career success in this Listed contest displaying a fine turn of foot from off the pace to win by six lengths. Her final quarter mile of 23.16s was the quickest of the day and she was able to showcase her speed courtesy of an honest gallop. The first quarter mile was recorded as being 23.57s so she was sensibly rated in midfield away from that strong pace. She finished the race strongly recording an FSP of 104.20% meaning she ran the final two furlongs 4.20% quicker than the previous six. Although there is stamina on the dam’s side of her pedigree, the data suggests she is not short of speed and may be best kept to a mile. Nyaar A horse that can dictate even fractions on the rail when racing on the dirt at Meydan will be tough to beat and that proved to be the case with Nyaar in the Defender 130 Outbound Edition Maiden. This was not a strong race and Nyaar came into it with four second place finishes from eight starts, but the performance is worth highlighting because of the tremendous ride Pat Dobbs gave the winner. Nyaar jumped smartly from stall four and got to the lead on the rail dictating the first quarter mile in 25.32s. Thereafter, Dobbs dictated even fractions to win in a final time of 1:38.43s. The reason this was such a good ride was the fact Nyaar faced pace pressure for the final half mile but Dobbs didn’t panic. Instead, he was happy to just go fast THE LORD GLITTERS HANDICAP WAS ALL ABOUT SAFFIE AND OUZO WHO FOUND A WAY TO WIN WHEN SUCH A SCENARIO LOOKED UNLIKELY TURNING FOR HOME.
19 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com enough to hold the rail. The patience he displayed paid dividends with Nyaar able to finish the race in 24.37s and, with such even fractions produced, there is no surprise that the winner produced an FSP of 100.97%. A dirt ride judged to perfection but one that could easily have gone wrong and Nyaar may never get such a perfect set up again. Ouzo The Lord Glitters Handicap was all about Saffie Osborne and Ouzo who found a way to win when such a scenario looked unlikely turning for home. As is the norm these days, Ouzo was held up off the pace and, in going around the inside, was faced with a wall of horses in front of him in the home straight. Somehow he found some running room and attacked between horses to get up in the closing stages and win by a length. The visual take was that Ouzo quickened smartly to win. The data suggests that he came home strongly in a race that was strongly run recording an FSP of 103.80%. This is the figure of a horse that is finishing his race well rather than flying home. A final quarter mile of 23.29s was good enough to propel him to victory. A BEAUTIFUL LOVE: FSP FINAL 400 (SECS) 104.20 23.16 NYAAR: FSP FINAL 400 (SECS) 100.97 24.37 MCMANAMAN: FSP FINAL 400 (SECS) 101.79 23.27 LION’S MANE: FSP FINAL 400 (SECS) 101.07 25.29 OUZO: FSP FINAL 400 (SECS) 103.80 23.29 ASHGER ASSER: FSP FINAL 400 (SECS) 97.95 24.20 ASAD ZABEEL: FSP FINAL 400 (SECS) 99.05 24.44 QAREEB: FSP FINAL 400 (SECS) 106.19 23.21 strongly run nine furlongs is a perfect set up for this horse and he took advantage thanks to Saffie Osborne riding him with confidence. The winning move was her decision to stay on the inside of the track. Asad Zabeel Musabah Al Mheiri trained the first two home in this contest with the winner getting to Khanjar in the closing stages to win by a neck. Asad Zabeel was, on the face of it, given a patient ride, but in truth Oscar Chavez merely went even fractions as evidenced by his FSP of 99.05%. To have run even 12 second furlongs for the full race Asad Zabeel would have recorded a final time of 1m24.00s. He was close to this with an actual final time of 1m24.73s. It follows that his final two furlongs will be around 12.00s each and that is the case with his final quarter mile recorded as 24.44s. Finishing the race as evenly as he ran the rest of the race was good enough to run down the pacesetting Khanjar who nearly clung on for victory. This was not a case of a complete pace meltdown as Khanjar made the running and nearly won but in a game of fine margins a well rated ride from Oscar Chavez won the day. Asad Zabeel
DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com 20 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 FLEET THE CHOICE OF BUICK AS APPLEBY EXERCISES NAVAL POWER IN SINGSPIEL By Duane Fonseca When it comes to turf racing at Meydan, it always seems like it’s the world versus Charlie Appleby. The script remains unchanged in this year’s renewal of the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes on Friday night as the Newmarketbased trainer looks to win the 1800m contest for a second-consecutive year. Appleby heads into what looks a rather potent renewal of the race with a three-pronged attack that includes the returning Naval Power, the trainer’s big hope for the 2023 Classics. The four-year-old Teofilo gelding steps into the gates alongside Ottoman Fleet, twice-placed behind stablemate Measured Time at Group level this season, and Highland Avenue, who won the G3 Darley Stakes at Newmarket in October, before putting on a rather tepid display in two previous starts here this term. Naval Power, returning from a 13-month absence, was Appleby’s big hope for the last season’s European Classics after winning his first four career starts before bursting a blood vessel and weakening to finish sixth of seven in the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes, a spot behind Marbaan, who has been declared by Jebel Ali resident trainer Michael Costa. Having recovered from the Dewhurst, Naval Power was presented at Meydan where he won the Listed Jumeirah Classic over course and distance (C&D) by a game length-anda-quarter margin. If at his best, Naval Power should be the one to beat in this, with the improving Ottoman Fleet (William Buick), a five-year-old Sea The Stars gelding, looking another top contender, having progressed over a pair of C&D runs, which started with a third behind Measured Time in the G2 Al Rashidiya and was followed by a runners-up finish behind the same rival in the G1 Jebel Hatta presented by Longines. Ottoman Fleet won twice in Group company last season when backing his G3 Earl of Sefton Stakes win at Newmarket with victory in the Grade 2 Fort Marcy Stakes at Belmont Park. Meydan, however, hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Ottoman Fleet, who is yet to win in five starts overall. The good news though is that he has always managed a podium finish, which means another good outing can be expected from him on Friday night. Jamie Osborne’s Sean was beaten on the line by a short head by Warren Point in the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes and with a bit of luck he should be able to go one better for sure particularly when you look at the form displayed by Ahmad bin Harmash’s G2 Al Rashidiya second Erzindjan (Connor Beasley), who finished five spots behind him on that occasion. A seven-year-old Excelebration entire, Sean (Adrie de Vries) was a close fourth on his UAE debut in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile behind Doug Watson’s San Donato (Pat Dobbs), who also returns here, having subsequently finished a valiant third in the Jebel Hatta. Musabbeh Al Mheiri will hope a quick turnaround is the key for his dual Jebel Hatta champion Alfareeq (Jim Crowley), who will look to relegate to history his close seventh in last week’s Listed HH The President Cup over a sharper 1400m trip at Abu Dhabi. VERDICT: RETURNING TO ACTION IN THE SINGSPIEL AFTER A LENGTHY 13 MONTH ABSENCE IS NAVAL POWER, BUT APPLEBY’S FIRST CHOICE BUICK IS KEEN TO AVOID RING RUST AND GOES WITH OTTOMAN FLEET, WHO IS PLACED IN ALLFIVE STARTS AT MEYDAN, INCLUDING THE TWO THIS TERM. FLEET SHOULD GIVE GODOLPHIN THE NAVAL POWER THEY NEED!
DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com 21 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 HER WORK SINCE HAS BEEN VERY PLEASING, SHE LOOKS FANTASTIC AND HAS BEEN THRIVING IN THE DUBAI SUNSHINE —STENTON GLIDER’S TRAINER HUGO PALMER. PALMER OPTIMISTIC GLIDER CAN HALT GODOLPHIN’S MEYDAN TURF DOMINANCE By Sam Turner British handler Hugo Palmer will strive to stem the constant flow of Charlie Appleby turf successes at the Carnival when he saddles Stenton Glider in Friday evening’s Group 2 Balanchine. The 1800m feature has attracted seven runners, three of which are saddled by Palmer’s English counterpart Appleby who has dominated the turf action at Meydan Racecourse this season. However, Palmer believes the daughter of Dandy Man has improved and thrived for her first run in Dubai in the Group 2 Cape Verdi last month and insists she can reverse placings with English Rose who finished two places and four lengths in front of her that day. “We were very pleased with the run of Stenton Glider in the Cape Verdi. It was her first run since August, after the first real break she had in her life,” he said. “She did really well during her break. She grew and filled out a lot and as a result, we went to the Cape Verdi. She was ready to run but I think she will come on for it. Her work since has been very pleasing, she looks fantastic and has been thriving in the Dubai sunshine. “I am very happy in the condition she is in and I am very hopeful she will improve on Friday. She needs to improve as she has a few lengths to find on the filly who beat her in the Cape Verdi.” The Appleby trio are led by Sapphire Seas, the mount of William Buick, who has only been beaten once (on debut) in a fiverace career. The daughter of Frankel was touted as ‘a nice filly for next year’ by her rider after completing a smooth UK hat-trick last summer with victory in a Yarmouth Listed event where her sharp turn of foot was again in evidence. English Rose, narrowly beaten by stablemate Silver Lady, in the Cape Verdi provides a powerful second string option for Godolphin in the hands of Mickael Barzalona, while Shining Jewel, sixth in the aforementioned Group 2 completes the triumvirate with Richard Mullen in the saddle. Trainer Ismael Mohammed, who enjoyed success at Abu Dhabi over the weekend, allows Nibras Angel to take her chance and, given she finished on the heels of Stenton Glider in the Cape Verdi, claims of a podium finish look realistic. The Balanchine also represents a recovery mission for Mystic Pearl who bids to leave behind a lacklustre Dubai debut in the Cape Verdi for trainer William Haggas. Tom Marquand, fresh from a successful weekend in Qatar, takes the ride. Last season’s UAE Oaks winner Mimi Kakushi (Royston Ffrench) completes the septet that step into the stalls. Stenton Glider (left)
DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com 22 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 HAT-TRICK SEEKING GOLD CAN TAKE THE STEP UP IN TRIP IN HER STRIDE By Sam Turner Adrie de Vries has insisted a step up in trip in Friday’s Group 3 UAE Oaks holds no terrors for the classy Manama Gold. The veteran rider, enjoying a terrific season in the Middle East, also believes the unbeaten daughter of Star Guitar is ‘special’ and will thrive over the 1900m trip of the three-yearold fillies’ feature. “She’s very exciting,” he said. “She’s still improving and developing and came out of her last race really good. She was a bit long in her coat when she started here but she looks brilliant now. “I think the further the better for her. She’s got a long stride on her and she’s progressive, so I’m not concerned about the distance at all. “She’s not going to get everything her own way all the time, so I felt during her last race that I had the chance to teach her something. “There was a bit of pressure that day, so I didn’t want to do too much on her, but it was important to continue her education for the future.” Unsurprisingly, comparisons will obviously be drawn with Shahama, also a winner of the corresponding race in 2022 for trainer Fawzi Nass, but De Vries sees plenty of differences. “She is a different filly to Shahama as she was known for her brilliant turn of foot and she was also a very relaxed filly,” he added. “Manama Gold is a little more on her toes with a little more temperament, but she trialed very well and is only improving now. “She is special, and we like her a lot.” Six go to post on Friday, with Nass also saddling Lightning Paradise, who has finished well in arrears of her classy stablemate on both racecourse starts this season. The danger to Nass’ filly may not lie within, but with Mizzyaan who went into many notebooks courtesy of her racecourse debut over 1600m behind Manama Gold a month ago. Admittedly, she has a 13-length deficit to breach which may prove a rather adventurous ask, but she is entitled to improve and progress for that opening gambit, and it was good to see her stick to her task tenaciously, despite a lack of experience. By Justify, she is sure to have thrived for that first sight of the Meydan dirt and could I THINK THE FURTHER THE BETTER FOR HER. SHE’S GOT A LONG STRIDE ON HER AND SHE’S VERY RELAXED, SO I’M NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE DISTANCE AT ALL —ADRIE DE VRIES. Manama Gold
DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com 23 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 well erode a good slice of Manama Gold’s winning margin. SISKANY AND GALLERIST RENEW RIVALRY Just seven enter the stalls for the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy and, having overcome a pedestrian gallop to score on his return to Meydan, Siskany will be popular among Pick 7 players. The son of Dubawi recorded the fastest closing sectional of the evening in the Listed Al Khail Trophy last month to mow down French duo Al Nayyir and Gallerist, who reopposes here, in the shadows of the post, a win which took his track form figures to 1121 with the only defeat by a neck. He is likely to have a more genuine gallop to Siskany (No.1) run at this time round with the presence of Rakeez, while it be no surprise to see Charlie Appleby’s other runner, New London, go forward as he returns to a more suitable trip after looking laboured behind stablemate Warren Point in the Dubai Millennium Stakes. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard must be wondering what he must do to record a winner at this year’s Carnival, but his select team of horses have all run with great credit in recent weeks and the aforementioned Gallerist may give Siskany most to fear. Shamrock Glitter, Demain and Track Of Time have all showcased Graffard’s talents since the turn of the year and the booking of Tom Marquand for the son of Zoffany catches the eye. SELECTIONS Race 1: Vespasian Race 2: Manama Gold Race 3: Sapphire Seas Race 4: Killer Collect Race 5: Sean Race 6: Dionysian Race 7: Siskany Race 8: Gioia Cieca Race 9: Drink Dry (NAP)
DUBAI RACING CARNIVAL adiyat racing plus.com 24 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 KILLER FANCIED TO COLLECT Although only a Listed affair, the Al Bastakiya looks a terrific renewal with the majority of the 12 runners holding a chance of sorts. Trainer Bhupat Seemar enjoyed a 1-2 in the UAE 2000 Guineas with Mendelssohn Bay getting the better of stablemate Killer Collect. However, given a better start, the runner-up could easily have gone close to upsetting his more race savvy rival as he was detached by a wide margin early on before making up his ground swiftly. That he had the class to run past some useful rivals in the straight was a testament to his ability and he must surely appreciate the stiffer test this affair offers. The master of Zabeel Stables will harbour hopes of another high-profile 1-2 here as he saddles the once-raced Falcon Of Arabia, the conqueror of Auto Bahn on debut. Whether the Speightstown colt boasts enough experience for a race of this nature so early on in his embryonic career is open to question, but he was very professional a fortnight ago and should go well again upped in trip. Julio Olascoaga was delighted with Auto Bahn’s debut that day and he too looks to have a strong hand with Quartier also declared. Like Killer Collect, Quartier was also well out of his ground behind Mendelssohn Bay in the Guineas, before staying on strongly to reach the places, albeit at a respectful distance to the winner. He remains a colt of great interest, especially as this longer trip will allow him time to find his racing rhythm. The likes of Tactical Bound and Shababy look sure to get this 1900m trip strongly and the former ran another fine race behind Elyabri when the two met here at the start of the month, while the talented Tapit’staleofverve very much caught the eye with a fine debut effort to take fifth, just a place behind Destructive who didn’t appear to quite get home (Tokyo Tower 7th). The meeting gets underway with a 0-95 sprint handicap (1000m) where Vespasian should make a bold bid to repeat his snug C&D win with Topper Bill, third that day, also likely to relish the strong pace Zoulu Chief seems sure to set. Other events on the card include a 1600m (70-90) handicap, where Bhupat Seemar trainee Dionysian takes the eye, a (60-80) 1200m dirt affair and the closing (56-80) mile handicap on turf in which the nicely drawn Drink Dry may give Lucie Botti a second Carnival winner if he can build on a creditable performance behind Legend Of Time in the Jumeirah Guineas. Killer Collect Falcon Of Arabia ZABEEL STABLES SUPREMO BHUPAT SEEMAR WILL HARBOUR HOPES OF ANOTHER HIGH-PROFILE 1-2 HERE AS HE SADDLES THE ONCE-RACED FALCON OF ARABIA, THE CONQUEROR OF AUTO BAHN ON DEBUT, WHO JOINS KILLER COLLECT IN THE STARTING GATES FOR THE LISTED AL BASTAKIYA.
Indulge in a day of fabulous racing and fashion while enjoying the entertainment at this superb matinee event. All hospitality guests are welcome to enter the Style Stakes competition for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Hospitality packages start from AED 295. Meydan Racecourse. or call +971 4 327 2110 dubairacingclub.com Book now
REVIEW / ABU DHABI adiyat racing plus.com 26 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 and expecting to watch the race in the weighing room. “I was gutted three weeks back when it looked like Mujeeb was likely to miss the race when he had a setback as he had run such a great race in the prep,” he recounts. “I’d then been booked to ride Thaydah Athbah but there was a turn of events which meant they decided to bring their jockey from Saudi so, on Monday afternoon, it didn’t look like I had a ride in the race. “I went to bed and at 9am on Tuesday, I got a call from Helal (Alalawi) to say would I ride Kingmaker - that conversation didn’t last too long! ALALAWIS’ KINGMAKER TURNS MULLEN INTO AN ABU DHABI SUPER SUB By Sam Turner Sometimes, things are just meant to be. Take the joyous HH The President Cup victory for RB Kingmaker for instance, the horse no one appeared keen to ride. Regular pilot Cristian Demuro, on board for the entire’s last two starts, was absent in France, Adrie de Vries preferred to partner French raider Al Riffaa, while Tadgh O’Shea plumped to side with Alarqam; decisions which left trainer Helal Alalawi searching for a rider with a rich pedigree in the valuable feature. Step forward Richard Mullen. A four-time winner of the Group 1 showpiece, the two-time Champion Jockey looked set to be sitting on the sidelines as Mujeeb, a long-time fancy for the race, was ruled out with a setback. Other potential rides came and went as connections altered plans, all of which left Mullen lamenting his misfortune 5NUMBER OF HH PRESIDENT CUP WINNERS RIDDEN BY RICHARD MULLEN.
REVIEW / ABU DHABI adiyat racing plus.com 27 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 4.5MILLION TOTAL PRIZE PURSE OF THE HH PRESIDENT CUP 5.25 L VICTORY MARGIN OF ALALAWI’S RB KINGMAKER RICHARD MULLEN: I WENT TO BED AND, AT 9AM ON TUESDAY, I GOT A CALL FROM HELAL TO SAY WOULD I RIDE KINGMAKER - THAT CONVERSATION DIDN’T LAST TOO LONG! “Obviously, I jumped at the chance as he is a class horse and had run some very good races as well as being closely matched with Mujeeb. They are probably two of the best local Arabians round here as he ran a very good race in the Jewel Crown and was second in the prep.” Mullen’s optimism was certainly born out as his mount travelled like a dream throughout Saturday’s marquee event and put the race to bed in a matter of strides in the straight. “Helal said to me whatever I do get him (RB Kingmaker) in behind a horse as he can be quite keen and quite gassy if he sees daylight,” he added. “My priority was to get him some cover and relax and switch off for the first part of the race. Once I was in behind horses, he travelled nicely and was never taken out of his comfort zone in a nice rhythm. “I was able to creep through and I had my eye on the horses that I need to follow. Tadgh (O’Shea) was just in front of me on Alarqam and Bernardo (Pinheiro) on Ajrad Athbah was in my sights and I thought they were the horses I needed to keep tabs on as they were the dangers. “When a horse is travelling so well, they take you through races so much easier and you can pick your position which, in turn, makes a jockey’s life so much easier.” For a race worth a staggering AED 4.5million, this was a remarkably straightforward success as once unleashed, RB Kingmaker left runnerup Ajrad Athbah and Pineheiro trailing to score by a decisive five-and-a-quarter lengths. Al Riffaa ran creditably to take third under De Vries, a further neck behind, while Alarqam and O’Shea were fifth. “It was a marvelous evening and its strange how things work out in racing,” added Mullen. “I must say a huge thanks to Helal and his team because at the declaration stage I didn’t have a ride in the race – he certainly came to the rescue for me! “I couldn’t compliment the horse enough as he was very well trained and prepped by Helal and his sons, so it was a great result for all at National Stables as they work extremely hard. “Helal has been very good to me over the years and has supported me so to land him a big one was lovely. “It has been an extremely lucky race for me as I’ve won it five times now, but I doubted this year it was going to happen, so it’s a huge privilege to win the race as it’s one of the highlights on the Arabian calendar, not just in the Middle East, but around the world. “It is a huge race to win and I’m very fortunate that Cristian had to stay in France. The call came late, but it was one of the best phone calls I have had in a while that’s for sure!”
REVIEW / ABU DHABI adiyat racing plus.com 28 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 By Sam Turner While Richard Mullen was serenely collecting a fifth victory in the valuable Group 1 HH The President Cup, fellow veteran rider Pat Dobbs was himself continuing to enjoy a magnificent UAE season. The Irish rider, who has been seen to great effect on the likes of Kabirkhan and Colour Up in some of the season’s major races, added another valuable prize to his resume when booting Nibras Passion to a third career victory in the Thoroughbred HH The President Cup. Runner-up to the talented Godolphin Group campaigner Mysterious Night on his previous start at Meydan, the six-year-old son of Iffraaj had to fight for some light in the straight under Dobbs with space at a premium. However, once the Irish rider – enjoying a terrific season in the UAE – had burrowed his way through traffic, the partnership hit the front with 100m to run and held enough in reserve to repel runner-up Fort Payne (Adrie de Vries/Nicolas Caullery) by half-a-length, while Ventura Rebel claimed third under Said Al Balushi (Ahmad bin Harmash). “He’s normally held up for a late run, but he had a nice position today and he relaxed well before he quickened up well to win his race,” said Dobbs. DOBBS FINDS PASSION NEEDED FOR SCORING DURING VALENTINE WEEK RUNNER-UP ON HIS PREVIOUS START AT MEYDAN, NIBRAS PASSION HAD TO FIGHT FOR SOME LIGHT IN THE STRAIGHT UNDER DOBBS WITH SPACE AT A PREMIUM.
REVIEW / ABU DHABI adiyat racing plus.com 29 ADIYAT RACING PLUS ISSUE 834 Thursday 22nd February 2024 RESULTS Race 1: Singasong Al Maury Race 2: Meeqat Race 3: Diyaah Race 4: Unlimited Race 5: Heros De Lagarde Race 6: Nibras Passion Race 7: RB Kingmaker Nibras Passion “Ismael has done very well with his horses – he doesn’t have a big stable, but he places them very well.” BEASLEY AND AL HADHRAMI AT THE DOUBLE Heros De Lagarde bounced back from defeat in Oman to decisively land the Group 2 Liwa Oasis (1400m) and hand jockey/ trainer combination of Connor Beasley and Ibrahim Al Hadhrami a double on the card. The victories took Beasley’s tally for the season to 37. The duo, who had struck in the opening race of the prestigious meeting with Singasong Al Maury in the 1600m maiden, teamed up with the seven-year-old to win over 1200m at Abu Dhabi last month and took the step up in trip in his stride. Settled in mid division travelling sweetly, the talented grey lengthened well in the straight under the championship leading rider, hitting the front inside the final 200m to register a cosy length-and-a-half success from Saifaldin Deeb trainee Ekleel Athbah (Alexis Moreno) and AF Maqam (Ernst Oertel/Jules Mobian) who was a further nose behind in third. Beasley and Al Hadhrami didn’t have to wait long for their first success on the
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU4NjE2