The pair hit the front about 300m out and always looked likely to hold the late challenge of Haanoof. Mullen, who rode a Meydan treble on Thursday, including the two feature races, said: “We were very hopeful he would stay the trip and it has suited him. It has been a great couple of days.”
Riding for his main employer, Sheikh Hamdan, Paul Hanagan produced local debutant Jabal Aly to lead right on the line in a 1600m handicap.
The horse was having his first start for Erwan Charpy who said: “He is a very nice new horse in the yard and one we would like to think can go on to bigger and better things.” Eric Lemartinel saddled a double for Sheikh Khalifa with both victories achieved in maidens. First up was Tadhg O’Shea aboard Men Alemarat in a 2000m race before Gerald Avranche partnered Mahbooba to win a similar contest over 1600m.
The only Thoroughbred contest, a 1600m handicap, was won by the Dhruba Selvaratnam-trained Lanadam, ridden by Chris Hayes.
Great finish to race 5 as UAE newcomer Jabal Aly just holds off RB Burning Rich. Well done @HH_ShkHamdan. pic.twitter.com/7ONyNdDXeR
— Al Ain Racecourse (@AlAinRaces) January 15, 2016The jockey said: “He has won over 1400m and 1800m as well this season and is just very versatile as he could win over further as well.”
The opening 1400m handicap went to Tha’Er, ridden by Freddie Tylicki for Saeed Al Mazrouei, both owner and trainer of the horse.
Other than Men Alemarat, the easiest winner on the card was AL Waqqad who scored in a 2000m handicap with apprentice George Buckell in the saddle for Helal Al Alawi.
