 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
"The rail has been absolutely sizzling!" exclaimed commentator Pat Comerford as Namrood emerged victorious in the feature race of the program - the 0-100 rated handicap. This win highlighted a brilliant evening for front-runners, as they claimed five of the seven races.
Namrood, steered by Sam Hitchcott, engaged in a lengthy home stretch duel with AF Maqam after leading from the front in the 4YO Purebred Arabian 1600m Handicap [0-100] feature. Under the training of Musabbeh Al Mheiri, the 7YO gelding aimed to regain the form that led to his victory in the Gr.3 Al Ruwais last season.
Hitchcott credited the use of blinkers for his mount's impressive triumph.
He said, “If I’m honest I didn’t think it was a great way to ride him, but Musabbeh wanted me to try and dictate, and once we got to the front, applying the blinkers on again helped him a lot.”
In last week's race over the same course and distance, Energetic was successfully chased down, but the Ismail Mohammed-trained horse, with Patrick Cosgrave as the jockey, was determined to not let that happen again in the 1600m handicap race. Despite feeling tired towards the end of the race, the winner had enough energy left to secure a half-length victory over Fall of Rome, ridden by Andrew Slattery and trained by Bhupat Seemar. Fall of Rome was the only real contender throughout the race and kept chasing the leader until the end.
With this victory, Mohammed secured his first win of the season, having obtained eight placings from 31 runners prior to this success.
Jockey Sandro Paiva secured early victories in Abu Dhabi's races. His mount, JAP Asfar, dominated the 1200m maiden for UAE-bred Purebred Arabians, leading from 600m out. Despite a cautious moment with stable companion JAP Rania, Paiva's horse finished a length ahead of Medmay.
Paiva continued his success, winning the 2200m maiden for trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi. Riding King De Flauzins, he expertly maneuvered through the field to overcome Ma’en, with Uday finishing third.
Retained rider Tadgh O’Shea claimed victory for Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda in the 2200m handicap with AF Mahzamy. O’Shea strategically positioned the horse behind AF Mouhayer, taking the lead and securing a commanding win. Sincerely finished just under two lengths behind, followed by Alsaeid.
O’Shea continued his winning streak an hour later, guiding AF Marmuq to triumph in the 0-85 rated mile handicap's second division. Dictating from the front, the 6YO held off AF Man’oot for a narrow victory.
Trainer Abubakar Daud's RB Kings Bay won the first division of the mile event. Apprentice Qais Al Busaidi guided the horse to victory, fending off competitors. AF Kal Noor and AF Afham, chosen by O’Shea, secured second and third places in a tightly contested race.