Dawson combines with Al Nabooda and Oertel to land HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah contest in style

AF Thayer ridden by Ray Dawson

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Sat, 26/02/2022 - Saturday’s meeting at Sharjah Longines Racecourse season was a quality card with valuable races, worth AED200,000 apiece for both the Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians.

Over 1200m for Purebred Arabians foaled in the UAE, the HH The Crown Prince of Sharjah, a Prestige contest introduced in 2018, was win in imperious fashion by AF Thayer (AF Alsalaam x Aberfeldy by Amer), Ray Dawson in the saddle for Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda and Ernst Oertel.

Having chased the early speed, Dawson eased his mount into contention just after half way and, once in front about 400m out, they were never going to be denied. The homebred 5yo entire has now won half of his eight career starts.

George Villiers ridden by Antonio Fresu

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Over 2000m and the only Thoroughbred race on the card, the HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup Handicap, worth the same Dh200,000 as the Purebred Arabian feature, was won in good style by George Villiers (Dubawi x Comic by Be My Chief), Antonio Fresu in the silks of Mohammed Khalifa Al Basti in the saddle for Bhupat Seemar.

Fresu was always seemingly happy throughout the race, content to bide his time before closing to challenge on the home turn. Once he pressed the button, his mount shot to the front to record a relatively comfortable success.

A 7yo gelded son of Dubawi having his first start at Sharjah, this was a sixth career success for the horse and fourth in the UAE having thrice scored on the Meydan dirt track.

Source: Emirates Racing Authority