Abu Dhabi: On a night when trainers Ebrahim Al Hadhrami and Dr Jabber Bittar along with Brazilian jockey Silvestre De Sousa picked up a double each, it was the UAE’s apprentice jockey Saeed Al Mazroui who stole the limelight.
The 25-year-old got a chance to race in the feature event for Thoroughbreds after the withdrawal of Mujrayaat.
El Wasmi, the first reserve was drafted in and Al Mazroui, who had won on the same horse in Meydan last March, got his opportunity.
He hit the front right at the start and then staved off a late challenge by the Mosabah Al Muhairi-trained duo of Entifaadha and Musafer to score his first win of the season here in the capital.
“I am really happy and this is the second win for me this season,” said the UAE apprentice who struck on Mutual Force in Jebel Ali earlier in the season.
“Last season, I had five winners and I am hoping that I can reach double figures this season,” said Al Mazroui, a business school graduate.
Trainer Ebrahim Al Hadhrami collected a double with the help of Brazilian Silvestre De Sousa as the Godolphin jockey picked up the opening race on Wald Johnny and then rode Gabas Noor for a second win here in the capital.
Another trainer to excel at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club racecourse was Jaber Bittar who saddled two winners. Talmoud under Daragh O’Donohoe and Kerkouan under Adrie De Vries provided the two winners for the Al Reef-based trainer.
Frenchman Eric Lemartinel won the other race in a card of six when Magik Du Paon under Wayne Smith won the Wathba Stud Farm Cup race for Private Owners.
