Al Quoz Sprint: JJ The Jet Plane

JJ The Jet Plane, South Africa's champion sprinter, got home by a nose after a breathtaking final furlong battle at Meydan Racecourse yesterday and became the first dual winner of the $1 million (Dh3.67 million) Al Quoz Sprint (Group 2) on turf.

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Trained by former jockey Michael ‘Lucky' Houdalakis and ridden by South African jockey Bernard Fayd' Herbe, JJ The Jet Plane was doing the best work during a frantic four-horse sprint to the wire and won by a head.

The thrilling finish demonstrated that the five-furlong dash looks set to become one of the showpiece races of the Dubai World Cup meeting. JJ The Jet Plance won the inaugural event in 2009 while Hong Kong star Joy And Fun bagged the prize last year.

Houdalakis, a Greek immigrant who was forced to quit riding and taking up training after suffering a racecourse injury, was over the moon with the win and said: "I went through a terrible feeling at the start of the race as I saw him going sideways and fall back. But when I spotted him again I saw that he can make up lost ground if he has another 70 metres to go. He had a lot of ground to make up and he did in the end, showing what he a champion he is.

"It's so awesome to have a horse like him. He's such a wonderful horse and I cannot cut down on my praise for him."

Owner Hendrik S N Du Preez, absolutely glowing in the winner's enclosure added: "This is such a great day for South African racing. To come and contest against the best in the business and win in such style is indeed such a memorable moment for all present here, but more for the horse racing fraternity back home. It is an unbelievable feeling and it will take time to settle in.

"He was like a machine today and by doing so he has made such a brilliant statement on South African racing. The whole world will be watching us. It is a proud moment."
When the gates sprang open Inxile, ridden by Adrian Nicholls, hit the front and led for most of the race with American raider Mr Gruff close on his tail Picadilly Filly tracking from third.

As the field straightened for the run to the judge, War Artist hit the front at the 200m mark with Australian hope Better Be The One, Ireland's Invincible Ash and J J The Jet Plane taking threatening strides.

However, it was JJ The Jet Plane who just got his nose on the line in a four-horse blanket finish. War Artist took second a head behind while Better Be The One was a head further back a further short head in front of fourth-place runner Invincible Ash.
Distance: Won by Head, Head, Short Head.

Winning time: 00.59.14.

Winner owned by Hendrik S N Du Preez, Coenraad F Strydom, Lucky N Houdalakis, Cornelia D Boyers.

RESULTS

 — With inputs from Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter, & Ashley Hammond, Staff Reporter