Abu Dhabi: Antinori, ridden by Richard Mullen, won the Thoroughbred feature race Gee Whiz Handicap - beating Malekov in a photo finish at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday.
This was the second win for Antinori, trained by Satish Seemar, in the UAE after he won over 1900m at Meydan last year.
“He ran really well here two weeks ago when just denied, perhaps without the best luck in running at the time. Things worked out better today and I think he deserved that win,” said a jubilant Mullen.
Ernst Oertel-trained Molahen El Alhan, who suffered a shock defeat last week in Al Ain, got back to winnings ways as jockey Tadhg O’Shea led it to victory in the Bibi De Carrere Handicap 1600m handicap.
“We were pretty hopeful coming into the race. He has proved his aptitude for this course and distance, this is his third win under these conditions,” said O’Shea.
Champion trainer Oertel then went on to complete a double for the evening as Royston Ffrench led Richly Blessed to victory in the Damas Handicap, over 1600 metres. “Any chance to ride for this team is a good one. Connections were reasonably positive coming into the race and that confidence has been justified,” said Ffrench.
Silvestre De Sousa rode the Saifaldin Deeb-trained Al Waqqad to a thrilling victory in the Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners Only, the fifth race, run over 1600 metres with 12 runners. “Mr Deeb is obviously a very good trainer and his horses always merit respect in these races,” said De Sousa.
Nizam Al Ghariba ridden by Oisin Murphy comprehensively won the opening 1400m maiden. It has to be recalled that he had finished second on his debut, in a 1600m conditions race last week.
“That was a very pleasing debut last week. The shorter trip has not inconvenienced him at all and he has definitely improved for that debut experience. It would be nice to think he has more improvement to offer,” said Murphy.
Haanoof, a 1600m maiden winner in November for trainer, Yousif Al Bloushi and jockey Pat Dobbs doubled his career tally when landing a 2200m conditions contest.
“She is a nice filly and she had good form in France and now seems to have really settled in here. Hopefully she has more to offer as we press ahead,” revealed Dobbs.
