Sama Bu Dhabi wins AD Fillies Classic

Abu Dhabi: Sama Bu Dhabi, ridden by female jockey Salima Al Taleei, claimed a well-deserved victory in the Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (Prestige) at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club last night.

It seemed only appropriate that a filly ridden by a lady jockey won the race for the breed.

But victory did not come easy.

The untried daughter of Darike, a former European Horse of the Year from Al Asayl Stables, appeared to be travelling a bit wide before Omani rider Salima got her back on course to challenge the favourite Raeaa W'Rsan who looked to be heading for her second successive win in two starts under Tadhg O'Shea.

But Sama Bu Dhabi, who is trained by Abu Dhabi-based trainer Michael Kettle, came flying on the outside to win by half a length.

‘Little touch'

It also provided Salima with her first win of the season.

Commenting on her success in the big race Salima said: "She [Sama Bu Dhabi] was a bit green to start with. I just kept on though she did go a bit wide. I knew she will finish strongly for I ride her every morning."

Winning trainer Kettle said: "She is a professional little filly. Salima gave her a little time which was good."

Commenting on Salima's first win, Kettle said, "Her riding has really improved. She had a stint in Australia. After four seconds in the season she fully deserved today's win."

Salima almost clinched a meet-double in the very next race only to be denied victory by Richard Mullen astride the Saifaldin Deeb-trained Barrah. She had to settle for second place on S Mujahid.

Earlier Emirati trainer Bakhit Al Ketbi and jockey David Smith registered a back-to-back double when they won the second and third races.

Double

The Al Ketbi-trained Das El Samer ridden by Smith won from the Salima-ridden Celtic Pearl before GRP Baghdad completed the double for the Al Ketbi-Smith combination.

The evening's proceedings started with Frenchman Eric Lemartinel saddling a 1-2 with AF Maqam Alezz getting the better of UAE debutant and stable companion Albar Lotois in the opener.

In the only race for thoroughbreds, Ali Rashid Al Raihe's Monte Alto prevailed over Leitmotiv.

Results

Bani Yas, Purebred Arabian, Maiden, Dh 35,000, Turf, 8F:

AF Maqam Alezz (Eric Lemartinel) W. Walter;

Albar Lotois (Lemartinel) G. Avranche;

Barolo (A. Al Shamsi) W. Smith.

Time: 1:49.88; Distances: 0.50L, 3.25L

Al Muroor Handicap, Purebred Arabian, 0-50, Dh 40,000, Turf, 11F:

Das El Samer (Bakhit Al Ketbi) D. Smith;

Celtic Pearl (M. Kettle) S. Al Taleei;

Al Abjar W'Rsan (Jaci Wickham) R. Ffrench.

Time:2.40.18; Distances: 1.50L, 0.50L

Al Wathba Conditions, Purebred Arabians, Dh. 35,000, Turf, 8F:

1. GRP Baghdad (Bakhit Al Ketbi) D. Smith;

2. Mooser (Gillian Duffield) M. O'Callaghan;

3. Abyan 11 (Saifaldin Deeb) R. Ffrench.

Time: 1:50.14; Distances: 4.50L, 0.75L

Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic, Prestige, UAE-bred fillies, Dh 100,000, 8F:

Sama Bu Dhabi (Michael Kettle) Salima Al Taleei;

Raeea W'Rsan (Jaci Wickham) Tadhg O'Shea;

Lujain (Rod Simpson) daragh O'Donohoe.

Time: 1:51.31; Distances: 0.50L, 3.75L

Al Khaleeq Handficap (For Private Owners only) , 0-35, UAE-bred PA, Dh 35,000, 7F:

1. Barrah (Saifaldin Deeb) Richard Mullen;

2. RS Mujahid (Majid Al Jahouri) Salima Al Taleei;

3. AF Disan (M. Hussain) R. Thomas.

Ras Al Akhdar Handicap, Thoroughbreds, 75-100, Dh 60,000, 11F:

1. Monte Alto (Ali Rashid Al Raihe)

2. Leitmotiv (M. Al Muhairi) R. Ffrench;

3. Dr Faustus (D. Watson) Gavin Birer.