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| Staff Writer |
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Snellen, trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by Gary Carroll, has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Irish-trained winner in Bahrain, claiming the US$80,000 Al Muharraq Cup at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club.
The Royal Ascot-winning filly, stepping up to 2000m for the first time, demonstrated her class with an impressive victory against a competitive sixteen-runner field. Held up in the early stages, she wove through rivals under a confident Carroll ride to score convincingly.
Majestic, representing Jack Channon and David Probert, claimed second place, while fellow international raiders Lion Of War from Charlie Johnston's yard and Hugo Palmer's Box To Box filled the minor placings.
Cromwell, marking his first runner in the Middle East, said: "She didn't break very well and Gary took her back and rode her for luck, they got all the splits and she was really good, she certainly showed a turn of foot. The plan is to run again here in two weeks' time."
Carroll added: "She does have a bit of class about her. She's going on four now and she's got bigger and stronger and loves fast ground. It was her first time at a mile and a quarter, and she loved it, I think she'll go further too. I got a lovely run through and all the gaps came at the right time."
The Al Manama Cup over 1000m saw local star Swift Asset, trained by Jaber Ramadhan and ridden by Abdulrahim Jassim, dominate the US$80,000 sprint division opener. The former Richard Hannon-trained gelding led home a local 1-2-3-4, with Palmer's Roman Dragon the best of the international contingent in fifth, followed by James Ferguson's Jubilee Walk.
Jassim, celebrating his first Bahrain Turf Series success, said: "It's a great feeling. It's my first Bahrain Turf Series win. It's really means a lot, we all look forward to these races and to win one is special. I feel blessed and grateful."
Ramadhan commented: "The jockey did a great job on him, playing catch me if you can. This race was the plan from the beginning of the season. We kept him for this day because he's 98 rated and had he run, we may not have got in to today's race. It's very exciting to win such a big race with so many quality horses."
The Bahrain Turf Series continues on January 3 with two more scheduled contests, as international raiders seek to challenge the strong local contingent.