A conditions race carrying prestige status, it has now been won three years in succession by Sheikh Khalifa and O’Shea, but Hamza made hard of what, on paper at least, had appeared a straightforward task.
The only real concern coming into the race was the fact this was his first competitive outing on dirt (he trains on it at Al Asayl) but, as it transpired, his inexperience of racing left-handed proved a greater hindrance for O’Shea.
Ridden to lead, Hamza tried to run wide at the first bend but it was on the home turn O’Shea appeared to have greater steering problems.
He forfeited his position on the rail, allowing Hakim to briefly draw level, and appeared intent on going wide and towards the nearside rail.
O’Shea was able to rectify his wayward tendencies, perhaps aided by the presence of ES Kwashi on his outside. It was that rival who threw down the most serious challenge but Hamza responded to his jockey’s urgings, finally crossing the line with a short-head advantage.
O’Shea said: “He is talented but can be a bit of a character. It was all a bit new to him but he has buckled down when it mattered and won.”
The final meeting of the UAE season was also the longest and the Sharjah Marathon, a 2,700m handicap, produced a determined effort from The Secret, running 700m further than he had before in a race.
Owned by Sheikh Hamdan and saddled by Doug Watson, he made all under Paul Hanagan to record his fourth career victory, all at Sharjah and this season.