Abu Dhabi: Emirati trainer Saeed Hadher Al Mazrouei chose the biggest stage to register his first-ever career win, when he saddled Live Rich to victory in the HH Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival’s Wathba Stud Farm Cup series finale at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday.
Saddling what was only the fifth runner of his career, Al Mazrouei wasted no time in announcing his arrival on the Purebred Arabian scene with the help of UAE champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea.
The talented Irish rider rode a well-judged race aboard Live Rich to capture the Dh70,000 contest over 1,600 metres on turf.
“Live Rich is in very good form and, frankly, I expected him to run well and [even] win,” said a jubilant Al Mazrouei.
“I would like to thank His Highness Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, for supporting small breeders and owners and encouraging them to improve the quantity and quality of Arabian horses within the UAE.
O’Shea added: “Live Rich gave me a great ride and did all the business when asked the question.”
The Group 3 Dh42,000 Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup, the feature event on the card, was claimed by Majed Al Jahouri’s Thakif in the colours of Shaikh Mansour. The winner was ridden by Harry Bentley.
Al Jahouri demonstrated that he intends to continue his imperious form of last season.
The event was attended by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Chairman of the General Youth and Sports Welfare Authority, plus VIP guests and more than 800 visitors from the Arabian racing fraternity.
“This horse has a lot of speed and a bit of class,” said Bentley.
“I was always travelling supremely well and it was a good win. Whenever you ride one for this yard, you know you are on a good horse.”
Molahen El Alhan, ridden by Dutch rider Jadey Pietrasiewicz, made virtually all the running to land the prestigious HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies’ (IFAHR) World Championship.
The field also include riders from Korea, Belgium, Morocco and India.
Champion trainer Ernst Oertel saddled the first three home in the race and said: “It has been a great evening. We knew this horse [Molahen El Alhan] had a massive chance as he is improving all the time. You need luck in these races with the draw and we enjoyed a lot — both with gate two and one of the best jockeys in the race.
“Hopefully Molahen El Alhan can have a good season.”
Pietrasiewicz added: “I followed the instructions of the trainer and Molahen Al Elhan did not let me down.
Turkish apprentice jockey Vahdettin Kaplan rode Munzade to win the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice Jockeys’ (IFAHR) World Championship final.
