Trainer Lemartinel impresses with three winners in Al Ain
Al Ain is clearly a happy hunting ground for Madjanthat as he had won here before on the all-weather surface
Al Asayl-based trainer Eric Lemartinel hogged the limelight in Saturday’s second meeting at the Al Ain Race course by saddling three winners.
Lemartinel made a clean sweep in the featured Jebel Hafeet Handicap over 1800m. Jockey Tadhg O’Shea on Madjanthat went past stable companion Najm Alemarat and Gerald Avranche, 200m from finish as RB Rich Surprise, under Royston Ffrench settled for the third spot. All three carried the red and white colours of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Al Ain is clearly a happy hunting ground for Madjanthat as he had won here before on the previous all-weather surface over 1400m.
“The race was run at a steady gallop. Getting weight from Najm Alemarat was the key to my decision to ride him and he has plenty of ability,” said an elated O’Shea adding, “That said, he also has a few quirks and he nearly unshipped me on the way to the post. You may remember he did unseat me as the stalls opened once the season before last. As he matures you would like to think there is more in the tank.”
The double for the owner and trainer came when Avranche ridden Al Dheeb scored in the 1600m maiden, 5 1/4 lengths ahead of Rabdan Al Ain ridden by Szczepan Mazur. Another 2.5 lengths behind on third was Roh Al Ettihad.
“He is a nice horse
for the future we think. He is a big type and will certainly improve physically and mentally for this experience,” said a jubilant Avranche.
Lemartinel then completed a treble with another win in 1400m last race of the evening. Avranche also completing his double as he led RB Inferno to triumph brushing aside the challenge from Ajjaj ridden by Patrick Dobbs. Najem Al Khalij, another 2 1/2 lengths behind, had to be content with the third spot.