Exciting Somoud makes perfect
start for De Roualle

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club staged their first fixture of the new campaign on Sunday evening, November 8, highlighted by the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown Prep, a 2200m rated conditions contest, won stylishly by the classy Somoud under a very confident ride from Richard Mullen. Having initially raced in midfield, always travelling strongly, Mullen’s mount cruised into contention behind the leaders with about 700m remaining before sent to the lead at the top of the straight with 350m left to cover. They never looked in any danger thereafter with the apple of trainer Jean de Roualle’s eye powering home to score an impressive success, a sixth career win, all in the UAE where he has raced just 11 times.

Homebred, the Yas Racing-owned 6-year-old entire landed his final three outings of the last campaign, a handicap over Sunday’s course and distance, the Group 3 Al Ain Mile and the Group 1 Emirates Championship, again over this 2200m track and trip.

It was actually the first time he had been saddled by De Roualle who said: “Mr Al Mehairbi did very well with this horse last season and I am delighted to have him in the yard. I love this horse, he is so talented, but also a real gentleman and pleasure to deal with.

“We have four weeks until the big race which is perfect and I am hoping this horse can land that prize which I have not won before.”

Mullen added: “He is a very smart horse as we saw last season. Jean has done very well with him, as did Ahmed Al Mehairbi who trained him last season. He has improved so much, from handicaps into Group One races and the fact that the big race is over 2200m now certainly suits him. Hopefully we will go there with a nice chance.”

Source: Emirates Racing Authority