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| Staff Writer |
Ibrahim Al Hadhrami and jockey Connor Beasley stormed to a spectacular treble at Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening, highlighted by Heros De Lagarde's commanding victory in the US$136,000 National Day Cup. The reigning Purebred Arabian Horse of the Year displayed devastating form ahead of his tilt at the US$2.18 million President's Cup.
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The son of AF Albahar laid down a marker in his seasonal debut, powering clear in a performance that suggests he has progressed again. Previous winners of this prestigious contest include RB Burn, who went on to claim multiple Gr.1 victories including the Kahayla Classic.
Assistant trainer Alwarith Al Hadhrami explained the careful planning behind the victory: "We chose to run at Abu Dhabi in this race instead of Meydan. The President's Cup is not a race we could go to first up; he needed some racing in the legs. He has matured massively in the last 12 months, but we are pragmatic. In a field this classy, a top five finish would be massive for a locally trained horse in the race. We are confident he can do this."
The evening's success story began with Almotawassim, a locally-bred prospect carrying high expectations. "He had always shown signs he would be a good horse early on in life. He was a great-looking yearling, and we trained the dam to much success," revealed Alwarith.
AR Rawaa continued the stable's domination in the third, benefiting from a tactically astute Beasley ride. Breaking smartly from an inside draw, the mare powered home strongly under expert handling.
"Two or three weeks ago, she ran a confident race and had no favours. This time around, with the great draw, Connor gave her an amazing ride, and we had her at her peak for that race. She was very strong to the line, and the great ride only helped her chances more," added Alwarith.
The in-form pilot, relishing his partnership with the Al Hadhrami string, shared his thoughts: "When the horses are happy and healthy and running well, of course it gives me confidence that they are going to produce it on the track. We have had a great start to the season so that's a big help, I am looking forward to the rest of the season hopefully partnering many more winners for Mr. Al Hadhrami's team and other supporters of mine here in the UAE."
Speaking specifically about Heros De Lagarde's performance, Beasley added: "He did everything and more last night for his first start of the season. After being so progressive last year, this performance shows he's right where we need him to be for the big race."
With the President's Cup fortnight away, the stable's flag-bearer appears primed to take on international challengers in what promises to be a fascinating clash of Purebred Arabian talent.