Brazilian Paiva wins in Abu Dhabi with Faiza

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They appeared to go very fast from the outset in in the Wathba Stallions Cup a 1400m handicap for horses in private ownership, on November 15, which seemingly suited Faiza (Dormane x Ushamman De Carrere by Sire D'Albret) who was able to overcome the burden of joint top weight.

A 5-year-old mare trained by Ali Rashid Al Rayhi for Jumaa Mubarak Al Junaibi, she was doubling her career tally and has now won thrice, having also scored in a handicap, over this Abu Dhabi 1400m, for Paiva in February.

She lost her maiden tag over 1600m on the Toulose turf in her native France in April 2019.

Settled in midfield here, she made smooth progress on the home turn, soon hitting the front and Paiva said: “I was actually quite excited to be back on her in a race, especially over this course and distance, because I know it really suits her.

“She had a big weight tonight, but I was always pretty confident, both before and during the race. It was perhaps quite close at the line, but I was always happy I was going to come out on top.”

Source and photos: Emirates Racing Authority