Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi was again the trainer in form at Jebel Ali on Friday afternoon, saddling half of the six winners, undoubtedly highlighted by the repeat victory of Russian Rock in the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint. As was the case when he won the 1000m dash last year, Russian Rock was completing a clean sweep of the three Jebel Ali feature races for his connections after their Treble Jig won both the Jebel Ali Stakes and Mile, just as he had the previous season.
Owner Fathi Esaed Mohd Egziama has now seen his silks carried to victory in six consecutive Jebel Ali features and the two horses, between them, have now won 11 times at Jebel Ali with stable jockey Wayne Smith in the saddle on each occasion and Russian Rock became only the second horse to win this race twice/defend the crown.
A delighted owner said: “Last year was unbelievable, to win all three races but to do so again is amazing. Both horses love Jebel Ali and it has been a brilliant two seasons.”
An elated Wayne Smith added: “That was probably his best effort yet as the second, Kilt Rock, has run a blinder and they have gone hard from the start. It would be lovely to get an invitation to the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night and Russian Rock is declared at Meydan tomorrow but I would think it unlikely we will run.
“To win all three big races in a season, for the same owner, once was a big achievement but to do it again is remarkable. They both save their very best for Jebel Ali and well done to Musabah and the whole team for keeping them sound and in such good form.”
Smith was also in the saddle on stable companion Special Boy, the comfortable winner of a 1400m handicap in which the jockey exuded confidence throughout. Smith added: “There was really never much doubt – he just travelled so strongly and then quickened when I asked him.”
Earlier, Paul Hanagan had initiated the trainer’s treble with the equally smooth victory of Muarrab in a 1200m handicap. Hanagan said: “He is a horse I know well from England and he nearly won first time here over 1400m. The drop to 1200m has proved ideal and it was a good win.”
Al Muhairi and Smith also combined for two seconds with local debutant Daar Rashid denied in the opening 1200m maiden by the fast finishing Backstage Tour, with Champion Jockey Tadhg O’Shea in the saddle for trainer Abdulla bin Huzaim.
Then in the concluding 1600m handicap Smith’s mount Interpret was closing on the winner Encipher but the line appeared in time for Kieren Fallon’s horse who had been narrowly beaten at Abu Dhabi last Sunday. Ismail Mohammed trains the winner.
Former Champion Trainer Satish Seemar has enjoyed a great season and combined with stable jockey Richard Mullen to win a second 1400m handicap with Baransky. Mullen always looked confident and explained: “He is a big, strong horse who travels well and this straight 1400m suited him as he did not get home over 1600m last time. The hill here places the emphasis on stamina and we could even drop him to 1200m here.”
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