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| Staff Writer |
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Hamad Al Marar is making his presence felt early in the UAE season, striking first at Abu Dhabi with Suny Du Loup delivering a commanding performance in the conditions race, outpacing Ajrad Athbah, Joe Star, and Mujeeb.
The success story continued at Sharjah where debutant AH Tahan, despite losing ground at the start, produced an eye-catching performance under Bernardo Pinheiro. The rider, fresh from his Singapore stint, was effusive about his mount's potential: "He's a very exciting horse for the future. He showed us in his trial win at Al Ain that he knew what he was doing, and he replicated that on race day. He looks like a horse that will progress through the grades nicely, and I'd love to stick with him."
Adil Mouchahi's yard is firing on all cylinders, with Sole Mio Al Maury providing an opening day triumph at Abu Dhabi under Sandro Paiva's skilled ride. The combination struck again at Sharjah with Idris Des Arnets, where Paiva's tactical acumen came to the fore with a perfectly-timed mid-race move.
Previous winners of this conditions race include the mighty RB Rich Lyke Me, who went on to capture the Gr.1 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown, and Ashton Tourettes, who later secured the Gr.2 Bani Yas at Meydan.
Al Marar and Pinheiro look to maintain their winning momentum with RB Moneymaker at Al Ain's season opener on Friday night, where the horse attempts to replicate last term's impressive victory in the same contest.
Paiva reflected on his successful start: "I would like to thank Mr. Mouchahi for his constant support. I had good early success last season for both Mr. Mouchahi and Mr. (Saif) Almarar, and it's great to start strong again in the first weekend back. Hopefully, it continues."
The racing calendar intensifies with three fixtures ahead: Al Ain's Friday evening meeting, followed by Jebel Ali on Saturday and Abu Dhabi's second seasonal gathering on Sunday, promising more high-octane action on the UAE circuit.