Al Nabooda wins 1-2 in the first race at Al Ain

Tadhg O’Shea aboard AF Nashrah

WATCH THE RACE

The new UAE racing season kicked off at Al Ain on October 29 with a seven race card and the first stage of Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only. The curtain raiser for the new campaign, a 1400m maiden for horses aged four and in private ownership was, like so many races of its ilk, dominated by Champion Owner Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda and his main trainer, Ernst Oertel.

They provided first and second with the owner’s retained jockey, UAE champion Tadhg O’Shea landing the spoils aboard AF Nashrah (AF Maqam Alezz x Dahab Al Reef by Saklawi Jadrane), denying Fabrice Veron aboard stable companion AF Musannef (AF Al Buraq x Nasemah by Kaolino.

The pair having the race to themselves throughout the final 300m of the first race of the Wathba Stallions Cup For Private Owners Only at the Al Ain Racecourse on October 29.

Settled just behind the leaders, O’Shea drove his mount to challenge halfway up the straight, leading at the 300m pole and always holding off the challenge of Veron’s mount.

Homebred, the winner was opening her account at the fourth attempt and second dirt appearance.

O’Shea said: “That is the perfect way to start the season! She is a nice filly who should improve because she is still learning what is required.”

Source: Emirates Racing Authority - http://www.emiratesracing.com/