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| Staff Writer |
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Tadgh O'Shea secured a sparkling four-timer at Abu Dhabi, thus moving to the head of the Jockey's Championship. Three of his victories came for long-standing supporter Ernst Oertel in the colors of owner and breeder Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda.
Following these wins, O'Shea's lead increased by one over his closest rival, Connor Beasley. Meanwhile, Bernardo Pinheiro further solidified his position in third place with his victory in race six.
The 11-time Champion initiated his four-fold with a thrilling short-head triumph aboard the Bhupat Seemar trainee Dionysian. The horse made a quick return to action in the Al Lulu Island Handicap for thoroughbreds after disappointing at Meydan last Friday.
In a tight finish, O'Shea's mount fought off late challenges from Erasmo and Wanees. The latter's jockey, Jim Crowley, was unable to find a gap when it mattered in a packing field, which was arguably unfortunate.
“e’s a horse that we were crying out to go right-handed with as he hangs quite badly and was a really difficult ride at Meydan the other night,” said O’Shea.
“The Silver Jubilee over the straight 1400m at Jebel Ali at their last meeting could be a good fit for him as I think we’ll leave the left-handed tracks alone for now.”
Thanks for your request. Tadgh O'Shea secured his second win of the day on AF Musannef, trained by Ernst Oertel. The horse showed impressive strength in the straight and defeated Munir, ridden by Pinheiro and trained by Majed Al Jahoori, in the 0-75 handicap over 1200m.
“He hit a flat spot turning in, but that’s him,” said the winning rider.
“We know he stays 1400m well, so he was always going to do his best work late on over the 1200.”
The multiple champion enjoyed a golden hour when AF Alsarem won the 2200m maiden, bringing up a quickfire treble and providing a double for Oertel. O’Shea rode his mount to a decisive three-and-a-quarter length victory over title rival Beasley and SS Alahwas (Ibrahim Al Hadhrami), while Edwin, ridden by Allaia Tiar, finished third for Khalifa Al Neyadi.
O’Shea's fabulous night ended with a win in the closing event aboard AF Alarqaa, completing Oertel and owner/breeder Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda's trebles. The irresistible trio never faced serious danger of being beaten, as the 4YO won by a comprehensive four lengths over Ubaid, with Medway finishing third for O’Brien with Richard Mullen onboard.
“I was 16 winners behind, lying fourth in the table on January 1st and our horses weren’t in the greatest nick, so I didn’t think I had any chance of a title this year,” admitted O’Shea.
“So, to be up there with a chance now is great and I just need to give it a big kick for the last month of the season.
“Hopefully, I can stay in one piece for the rest of the season and stay out of trouble with the stewards, please God.”
Dennis O’Brien had a successful evening with two wins on the card, including a 1-2 in the opening race. The debutant Qesa, ridden by Jose Santiago, came from behind to win the mile maiden for Al Asayl Stables, overtaking stablemate Risala (Richard Mullen) and Wateen Baynounah (Saif Almarar/Bernardo Pinheiro) in the process.
“It was a terrific effort to win like that first time out, especially as it paid to keep some cover with it being so windy," said O'Brien.
In the 0-75 mile handicap, Richard Mullen rode Al Etihad expertly to secure the Irishman's quick double of the night. Overhauling Es Badour (Ibrahim Aseel) and AF Mutaaleq (Pinheiro) in the final moments of the race, Al Etihad won by three-quarters of a length and a short head respectively.
“The headgear has probably helped, and Dennis and his team have done a great job with these horses," said Mullen.
In the Al Jubail Island Handicap (0-85) over 2200m, Bernardo Pinheiro claimed his first win of the evening, riding Haroon to victory for trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami. Singasong Al Maury, another horse trained by Al Hadhrami, finished second, while Game Time came in third.