Abu Dhabi: Idler, trained by Ahmad Bin Harmash, showed his class once again by retaining the thoroughbred Gee Whiz Handicap feature event title he won last season at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
Frederik Tylicki timed Idler’s run to perfection after Tadhq O’Shea led on Alraased for most part of the race before fading away in the end.
In the final stretch, Idler was given a close chase by Royal Revival, ridden by Richard Mullen, but the latter fell short by half a length and had to be content with the second spot. Another three quarters of a length behind was David Probert on Double Dealer.
“We set it up well in fractions. He always enjoys a good lay-off between races and the more time you give him, he gets better. After that good run in fractions this fellow showed that he has the class,” said an elated Tylicki.
The day also belonged to Al Ajban Stables-trainer Abdullah Al Hammadi who completed a treble. His first winner came in the opening race of the evening – Chaikh Man Maiden Race over 1600m. Saklawi Al Reef ridden by Richard Mullen was very much on course to win but Brooklin Jet D’Azrak led by Royston Ffrench closed in on the line and the former just managed to stay ahead by a neck. Fernando Jara on Al Sahraa came third a length behind.
Later, Al Hammadi was on the podium again after Nawarat Al Reef won the closely-contested 1600m conditions event restricted to fillies and mares. Nawarat Al Reef ridden by Fernando Jara brushed aside the challenge of stablemate Bouthayna Al Reef led by Dane O’Neill, who missed out by a short head. Another two and three quarters lengths behind on third was Gerald Avranche on Estourah.
Completing the hat-trick for Al Ajban stable and Al Hammadi was Jesus Rosales, who led Jamila Al Reef to a dominant win in the final 2200m conditions race.
Al Asayl-based trainer Eric Lemartinel continued his surge as he followed his treble at Al Ain on Saturday with another win when Gerald Avranche pulled off thriller on Sheikh Down by a short head beating stablemate Nashmee ridden by Tadhq O’Shea.
Sheikh Down, at one stage, had overtaken Nashmee on the straight but the latter came back strongly and the winner was decided after a photo finish. The third place was pocketed by Ahmad Al Mehairbi trained Munaaf – another one and quarter lengths behind.
“It wasn’t that comfortable a win as Nashmee came back again late. He had stopped a little bit and started again and I had to push towards the end,” said a visibly pleased Avranche.
