Dubai: Muhaarar led home a brilliant 1-2-3 finish for Dubai-owned horses in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes, the highlight of the final day’s action at York’s Ebor Festival on Saturday.
Paul Hanagan banished the ghosts of his defeat aboard Taghrooda in the Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday, when he delivered a copy-book ride aboard the Shadwell home bred to prise out a neck victory over Jungle Cat, the mount of Silvestre De Sousa.
In a well-contested renewal of the 1,200m contest for two-year-old colts and geldings, Ahlan Emarati finished a half length further back in third.
Muhaarar is owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, while Jungle Cat carried the colours of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Ahlan Emarati, who was ridden by the soon to be retiring Jamie Spencer, represented Dubai businessman Ahmad Al Shaikh.
Hanagan, looked relieved as he was welcomed in the winner’s enclosure by a volley of applause, told Channel 4 Racing: “He knuckled down well, he really put his head down for me and is really genuine.
“I thought it was a really good run last time [third to Kodi Bear at Ascot], and Charlie was very confident coming into the race.
“It’s good to get a winner, I had my heart broken on Thursday [with Taghrooda] but as long as she is safe and sound that’s the main thing.”
Hanagan could also only finish fourth aboard Mukhadram in the Group 1 Juddmonte Stakes on the opening day of the Ebor meeting on Tuesday.
Winning trainer Charlie Hills said: “This is our third winner of the week, so it’s been good. He’s always shown potential and we tried to stretch him over seven furlongs last time. He’s growing up now. He’s in all the top-class races and I think the Middle Park will be his primary aim.”
Charlie Johnston, assistant to his father, said of second placed Jungle Cat, said: “I’m gutted for him, he’s been to all the big meetings and been placed at them all and just got touched off today. He’s been softened up by the others and then caught on the line. We can’t be disappointed. He’s in the Mill Reef and Middle Park and will run in one or the other or maybe both.”
