The second leg of the Al Ain Stayers Trophy was the highlight yesterday with Sheikh Down completing a treble for champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea and trainer Salem Al Ketbi.
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But only just with the duo leading in the final strides to deny stable companion Burj Khalifa and a third runner for the yard, Munzade, in a pulsating finish.
The treble was initiated in the opening 2,000m handicap, won in style by Rabdan.
Then O’Shea completed a double for the trainer when winning a 1,400m maiden aboard Razeen, like Rabdan, having only his fifth career start.
Etijaah destroyed his field in the only thoroughbred race, a handicap over 1,800m in which he crossed the line almost 20 lengths ahead of his rivals. Trained by Doug Watson, he was ridden by Dane O’Neill.
Half an hour later, O’Neill was back in the winner’s enclosure with a hard fought victory on NS Shamikh in a 1,600m conditions race with the pair leading right on the line.
Safina Ghantoot won a 1,000m handicap, with apprentice George Buckell in the saddle for Helal Al Alawi.
Meanwhile, this afternoon’s Meydan meeting is highlighted by an ultra competitive 1,400m turf handicap in which a full field of 16 has been declared.
Sheikh Hamdan owns no less than five of them with jockey Paul Hanagan choosing to partner Washaar, trained by Doug Watson.
