29 November 2014, Al Ain ~ Young jockey Oisin Murphy and trainer Omar Daraj Mohammed combined to land the featured 1000m conditions race at Al Ain with TM AC-DC (Djendel (FR) x Bonnett (US) by Burning Sand).
Always near the head of affairs, the pair hit the front about 200m from home but had to dig deep to hold the late challenges of Wald Johnny (finishing third) and the Jacki Wickham trained A’Nnabak W’Rsan, (second).
The trio, half the six-strong field, were separated by just over a length at the line.
“We went pretty quick for a Purebred Arabian race,” aid Murphy. “He clearly has some speed and then showed his tenacity to fight off the other pair.
“It is nice to get a winning outside ride on a Purebred Arabian.”
Racing opened with an 1800m handicap which had looked competitive on paper beforehand, but with a couple of the expected principles proving disappointing, it was left to the Ibrahim Al Hadhrami-trained Zeyad to open his career account at the sixth time of asking. Zeyad (Saut Du Loup (FR) x Haibah (OM) by VERTIGO (FR) is owned by the Royal Cavalry of Oman.
Dane O’Neill set out with confidence on Alameer but had no answer to Zeyad who was driven to the front 300m from home by Royston Ffrench, the pair soon opening up a decisive advantage.
“They went pretty quick early on, said Ffrench. “He has travelled well into the race and quickened when I asked. He has not had much racing and can progress.”
The Royal Cavalry Of Oman colors were again carried to victory in the next race as Al Hadhrami’s Ash’Han (Saut Du Loup (FR) x Ghaleyah (OM) by BENGALI D’ALBRET) registered smooth success in a 1600m maiden.
Having only his third career start, he provided Polish jockey Szcepan Mazur a first UAE winner.
“Obviously I am delighted to open my UAE account,” said the young jockey. “I am not sure how good a race it was but he won very well and have to thank connections for this opportunity.”
The only Thoroughbred race, a 1400m maiden provided Ffrench the perfect chance to complete his own double, partnering Beachy Head to a smooth victory for his main employer, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
Qatar’s Champion Jockey, Harry Bentley, aboard Nichem Al Mels (Dormane (FR) x Jelifa Al Mels (FR) by Regal De Khan), was the winner of a 2000m handicap restricted to horses owned by private owners. Ahmed Al Mehairbi saddled the winner who was losing his maiden tag at the sixth attempt.
Bentley always looked to be gong well and was never far off the speed set by Fylthy Rich. That rival tired early leaving Snf Maher and Ameer Al Sraya, on whom Ffrench was seeking a treble, the ones to beat.
However, Bentley’s mount was still on the bridle. Although Ffrench’s mount fought valiantly, he had no answer in the closing 200m as Bentley kicked for home.
“That was a bit of a surprise,” said Bentley. “I was obviously hoping for a winner and he really carried me into the race like a decent performer. It was only his sixth start and he can progress with luck.”
The final race, a 1000m handicap, went to Magik Du Paon (Mahabb (AE) x Giulia Du Paon (FR) by Veinard Al Maury), a first winner of the season for both trainer, Eric Lemartinel and jockey, Gerald Avranche.
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