Abu Dhabi: Trainer Majid Al Jahouri revealed his faith in jockey Ahmad Ajtebi after the Emirati led Areem to a successful defence of the UAE National Day Cup at Abu Dhabi Race Course here on Sunday.
Al Jahouri said he gave Ajtebi a free hand on tactics going into the race, and the latter didn’t disappoint with his strategy of leading from the front. Areem proved his credentials as one of the best Purebred Arabian milers by defending his title with a comprehensive victory.
Finishing second, two-and-a-quarter lengths behind, was Wayne Smith on Sahib Du Clos, while Areem’s stablemate Rabbah De Carrere under Silvestre De Sousa settled for third, another two lengths adrift. Shayel Aldhabi, who had won the National Day Prep race three weeks ago, had to settle for fourth.
“Ajtebi knows the horse very well and he knew what he had to do. There was no need for me to give any instructions,” an overjoyed Al Jahouri said.
The jockey was also delighted with the victory, saying: “He [Areem] was the best horse in the race and he was the highest handicap. I was not at all surprised with the win. I just tried to improve around the bend and that’s what helped me.
“The trainer didn’t put any pressure on me and allowed me to ride the way I wanted, and that also helped.”
But Al Jahouri was quick to add that Areem won’t be pushed too hard during the season. “Areem will only take part in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 and Liwa Oasis. That’s it for him in this season. Just two more races,” he said.
The trainer also praised third place finisher Rabbah De Carrere, who he said has a great future.
“Rabbah De Carrere is going to improve. Our target is to run him in the President’s Cup, Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 and the Kahayla Classic,” Al Jahouri said.
In the Thoroughbred Listed race later in the evening, Nawwaar, making his debut at Abu Dhabi under Royston Ffrench, stunned a strong field including stablemate and defending champion Derbaas, ridden by Dane O’Neill, giving trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe a one-two. A quarter of a length behind Derbass was Forjatt ridden by James Doyle.
“It was a very good win and a great job by Grandstand Stables,” French said. “We worked very hard and now we are reaping the rewards. The plan was to go in front. The good thing about Grandstand is, even if it is a second or a third string horse, they all have a good chance.”
