Loraa strikes with President’s Cup win
abu dhabi — Jockey Richard Mullen enjoyed a great night at Abu Dhabi on Sunday, winning four races, including both versions of HH The President Cup, highlighted by the Dh3 million Purebred Arabian version, over 2200m, aboard the Jean De Roaulle-trained Loraa.
Third in the course and distance prep three weeks ago, Loraa had arrived in the UAE as a Group 1 winner in France but, reportedly, has not enjoyed a smooth transition. Settled in midfield by Mullen, Loraa made easy progress 800m from home and, at the top of the straight, hit the front with the race essentially over as a contest.
They ran on strongly to win in style to the obvious delight of connections. “She is a very special mare who has had a few problems,” said De Roualle. “I was delighted with her third in the prep race as I knew she would be in perfect condition tonight which was the main target. “Hopefully we will now go for the Kahayla Classic at Meydan Racecourse on the Dubai World Cup card.”
Half an hour earlier, with seven runners in the maximum field of 16, Satish Seemar always seemed to hold the edge in the Listed Thoroughbred version of HH The President Cup and his Akeed Champion, under jockey, Mullen, ran out the impressive winner. Also victorious three weeks ago in the course and distance prep, Mullen’s mount has now won all three of his starts over this course and distance. Happy to track the early pace, Mullen was clearly travelling strongly at halfway and, once able to angle out and secure a clear run at the top of the straight, the result was never in doubt.
The Emirates Fillies’ Classic, a 1600m conditions contest, was won emphatically by AF Marrah, the only previous winner among the 13 runners.
Trained by Ernst Oertel for her breeder, Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, the filly doubled her winning tally on her fourth start and proved far too good for the opposition under a confident Mullen, initiating a quick double. Oertel was later to complete a double, this time with Antonio Fresu the victorious jockey aboard Madjanthis who led close home to win a 1400m handicap.