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| Rowan Anderson |
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It was scripted to be Somoud’s shot at a third victory in the Group One HH The President Cup in Abu Dhabi overnight.
However, it was the Salem Al Ketbi trained campaigner Mujeeb who spoiled the party winning under Richie Mullen for the Al Asayl team.
The fourth success for the 6YO Dahess x Nymphea Du Paon progeny but made even sweeter after he ran second in the prep race last month by a short head and third in the Group One last year, both occasions won by Somoud.
The six race card was highlighted by this feature along with the Listed company The President Cup for thoroughbreds.
Mullen showcased his level head paired with his skills in the saddle when kicking away and getting clear when 275m out from home.
The homebred entire knew what was being asked from him and was not going to let it play out like last year giving the reigning champion any favours in the run.
Mullen has partnered the horse now on his last eight starts and was impressed after the win.
“He is a nice horse and has been running well without enjoying much luck. Thankfully everything fell into place tonight and that is a great result for the whole team.”
Mullen continues to climb the Champion Jockey ladder for the season moving to seventh ahead of Pat Cosgrove two wins clear and the double came on this meet thirty minutes later.
In the saddle for Bhupat Seemar’s Western Writer Mullen took out the Listed The President Cup for Thoroughbreds.
A 4yo gelded son of Shamardal, he has now won half of his eight career starts and both for current connections.
A new addition to Seemar’s stable the trainer was confident pre-race with what he could do this season and the confidence proved to be warranted.
“He is a new horse to us and luckily he won the first time out,” Seemar told Ten Furlongs.
“He's a quality animal and he will definitely improve. He ran a very good race in a mild handicap and he beat a good horse. We have drawn wide in eleven but the horse is doing very well and we’ve got Richard Mullen on him because Tadhg O’Shea, his regular jockey, is unable to ride him. Hopefully Richie knows him well enough and will give him a good ride but he is well and he is good to go. He should go close.”
This was the second year that the hoop has won this race but the first winner for the Zabeel Stables trainer from Mullen.
“That is actually my first winner for Bhupat but we go back a long way. This horse will improve over further, probably 1600m ideal for the now,” Mullen said.