Al Nabooda and Oertel dominate feature race

Owner and breeder Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda and trainer Ernst Oertel dominated the feature event Emirates Colts Classic run over 1600m and rated as a Prestige on Sunday.

The duo filled up the first three places led by Af Al Sajanjle.

The choice from the trio of Richard Mullen, the winner tracked stable companion, AF Maher under Antonio Fresu, before throwing down a challenge on the home turn.

Fresu’s mount put up a real fight and it was only about 300m from home that the winner took the initiative with the runnerup trying to fight back, ultimately, to no avail.

Third was AF Yathroq who occupied that position pretty much throughout the whole race.

That is a great result for the owner and trainer,” said Mullen. “We were pretty confident we had a strong hand coming into the race and so it proved.

“Luckily enough I picked the right one and enjoyed some more success for Messrs Al Nabooda and Oertel.”

Patient ride

Owner and trainer later completed a double, courtesy of AF Hakeem who was never headed in a 1400m handicap, with Fresu aboard the winner on this occasion.

The same connections’ AF Al Almaa looked a massive danger throughout the straight before weakening in the closing stages, losing second near the line to AF Al Mawhebah.

“He was always happy out in front and then responded well when challenged”, said Fresu. “You always know you have a chance riding for these connections who do so well in these races.”

The meeting concluded with the only Thoroughbred race on the card, a 2200m handicap providing the Ali Rashid Al Rayhi-trained Jaaref the perfect opportunity to open his UAE account at the fifth attempt.

Given a patient ride by Tadhg O’Shea, he was produced to challenge early in the straight, sweeping to the front 200m out and winning cosily.