Al Nabooda and Oertel secure
1-2-3 places in Jebel Ali

AF Soqrat ridden by Tadhg O'Shea

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The action kicked off at Jebel Ali on February 5 afternoon with a 1400m Purebred Arabian maiden (Dubai Real State Centre) which was totally dominated by horses saddled by Ernst Oertel for his main patron, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, the pair combining with the first three homes.

The owner’s retained jockey Tadhg O’Shea, who had six to choose from, was on the right one, landing the spoils aboard AF Soqrat (AF Alsalaam x Caline Du Loup by Manganate), chased home by stable companions AF Almoheeb and AF Muataq in a capacity field of 16.

Initially the second reserve, the 5-year-old homebred entire took full advantage of the late opportunity, opening his account at the fifth attempt on his first public racecourse appearance at Jebel Ali. Settled in midfield, the pair made smooth to hit the front inside the final 375m and staying on strongly to beat debutants AF Almoheeb (AF Al Buraq x Elina Des Fabries by Dormane) ridden by Malin Holmberg and AF Muataq (AF Al Buraq x AF Mujdieh by Martin Al Maury) ridden by Gerald Avranche.

O’Shea said: “His experience has really come to the fore there, it is crucial up this steep hill and we were able to bring him here last week for a gallop which was a great help.”

Source and photos: Emirates Racing Authority