Iftitah continues Seemar-Mullen streak at Al Ain
al ain — Al Ain staged their first meeting of 2019 on Friday. The event was won by Iftitah, ridden by Richard Mullen for trainer Satish Seemar, who had combined to win the previous evening’s Dubawi Stakes (G3) on opening night of the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan.
Always travelling well for Mullen, Iftitah cruised into contention on the home turn before, pulled slightly wide, gaining the initiative with 450m still to run. A 5-year-old gelding by Harbour Watch, Iftitah registered a fourth career victory.
“The horse deserves that because he has been knocking on the door since we have had him and was doing the same last season for Fawzi and his team,” said Mullen, who was completing a quick double. Basically, if you leave him alone, out of traffic and let him travel at a speed he is comfortable with, he is happier that way. Hopefully now that he’s won again, it will do his confidence the power of good.”
The opening 1400m maiden, restricted to 4-year-olds in private ownership, was another race contested by the maximum field of 15, but only one ever really mattered with Mullen sending AF Alnwha straight to the front and they probably never saw a rival. Skipping clear early in the straight and never in danger subsequently. Trained by Ernst Oertel for his main patron, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, the homebred filly was making it third time lucky having previously finished well beaten in both her debut, over the same course and distance in November and again, over 1600m, on the Abu Dhabi turf in the Abu Dhabi Championship (Listed PA).
“She is a nice filly and learning all the time,” Oertel said. “As I keep saying, I am very fortunate to train these smart horses for Mr. Al Nabooda, who is such an enthusiastic owner and breeder.”
Representing the powerful Al Asayl team, RB Burning Ash was impressive during 2000m handicap, with Fabrice Veron in the saddle for owner His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and trainer Eric Lemartinel.
“You always know you have a chance riding for these connections and the trainer told me to try and get some cover early on so that is what I did,” Veron explained.