Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, heaped praise on his retained jockey Paul Hanagan after he delivered a ‘marvellous’ ride aboard second favourite Taghrooda to win the Investec Oaks (G1) at Epsom racecourse on Friday.
A former dual champion in Britain, Hanagan can take much of credit for rescuing his filly after she appeared to taken a nasty bump by Marsh Daisy at dreaded Tattenham Corner, before propelling her to an authoritative 3 3/4length victory over Shaikh Hamdan’s second runner Tarfasha, the mount of Pat Smullen.
Taghrooda also provided Shaikh Hamdan with his first European Classic victory in four years since Bethrah landed the Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2010.
“I have always believed in Paul from the beginning,” Shaikh Hamdan told Channel 4 Racing’s Claire Balding. “I think he’s a very good jockey. He rode a marvellous race today.
“Taghrooda was one of the most beautiful yearlings and I kept asking John Gosden [trainer] when would she visit the racetrack. He told me to be patient and when she did make her debut she won by a neck. She has improved a lot since that race and will get even better.”
Hanagan, who was winning his first Oaks and first Group 1 race in the colours of Shaikh Hamdan, was delighted and said: “It feels great, it’s what I’ve worked hard for. I’m delighted for the team really, Shaikh Hamdan, Angus Gold, Richard (Hills), it’s a big team effort and John Gosden’s yard have done a fabulous job.
“We had really bad news recently with the death of John Hills, who was a big part of the team, and I’d just like to say this one is for him.”
Godolphin’s Ihtimal, winner of the UAE 1,000 Guineas and UAE Oaks at Meydan, ran a big race under Kieren Fallon to finish a respectable fifth.
Earlier, French Navy provided Godolphin with what was only their second victory in the Diomed Stakes (G1), a race named after the inaugural winner of the Epsom Derby, when sailing home an impressive 2 1/4length winner over the favourite Graphic, ridden by Ryan Moore.
Saeed Bin Surour won the historic race in 1998 with Intikhab.
Adam Kirby, winner of the inaugural All-Weather Jockeys Championship with 90 winners, rode a bold race aboard French Navy after the Charlie Appleby-trained horse missed the start.
Forced to settle at the back of the seven-horse field for most of the 1600m trip Kirby found the gap he was looking for on the rails at the two furlong marker and French Navy responded with a big turn of foot to pass his six rivals and win with plenty in the tank.
Godolphin’s other runner, Windhoek, the mount of Kieren Fallon, finished a noteworthy third.
Kirby said: “In the first part of the race, though, he never picked the bridle up, I didn’t keep chasing them, I just waited for him to take me and when he did, I thought I may as well take the brave man’s route down the inside.
“When it opened up, he quickened nicely and toughed it out well. He’s been good to me this horse.”
Appleby said: “It’s great for the team to have winners when His Highness [Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai] and Princess Haya [Bint Al Hussain] are here.”
Roger Varian saddled last year’s Winter Derby winner Farraaj to land the Investec Wealth & Investment Handicap in the colours of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security. The winner ridden by Andrea Atzeni scored by 2½ from Jimmy Quin aboard Air Pilot.
