Trainer Lemartinel’s eyes a hat-trick of victories in Abu Dhabi Championship
Al Asayl trainer Eric Lemartinel has a trio of horses entered in the Listed Abu Dhabi Championship, the highlight of the sixrace card in the capital’s racecourse today.
The Frenchman is attempting to win the prize for the third successive time on a racetrack that has proved to be a happy hunting ground for him, as well as jockey Tadhg O’Shea, over the past three years.
O’Shea, the first-choice jockey for the Abu Dhabi-based stables when he is not riding for Grandstand Stables trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe, has chosen Asyyad among the trio.
“Again I was faced with a very difficult choice and the Al Asayl team certainly have three good chances,” the Irishman said.
O’Shea explained his rationale behind choosing Asyyad ahead of Jaahiz – a course and distance winner in his first career start – and RB Grynade, whom he rode to victory in Al Ain last week.
“The other pair have both won but Asyyad showed a lot of promise – after a slow start – on his one outing and has a lot of potential,” he said. “Hopefully I picked right, but all three are capable of running big races in an open contest.”
Jesus Rosales retains the ride on Jaahiz and Gerald Avranche partners RB Grynade in the 15-runner race for three-yearolds over the 1,600 metres.
Ernst Oertel has five entered, all in the silks of Emirati owner and breeder Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, and on the jockey’s booking Shareef KB appears to be his main hope.
However Lemartinel’s runners are expected to face stiff competition from Al Ajban Stables’ Emirati trainer Abdullah Al Hammadi.
Garnishh (ridden by Sam Hitchcock) and Goshawke (under Fernando Jara) will have to deal with wide draws, Gates 12 and 14 respectively. Glory Day under Royston Ffrench will run out of Stall 3.
Garnishh was beaten by a neck on his racecourse debut and finished behind RB Grynade in his next start both over the course and distance.
Goshawke was third to Jaahiz in his only start and Glory Day, too, has the benefit of a run when finishing runner-up behind Galiba over 1,400m at the Abu Dhabi Racecourse.
The Abu Dhabi Fillies and Colts Classics – both holding ‘Prestige’ status – are the main supporting races on the card, with Lemartinel double-handed in the former and sending three horses out in the latter.
Godolphin makes a rare appearance in Abu Dhabi in the race for the thoroughbreds.
Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor has brought the threeyear-old Ennjaaz to have go on the capital’s turf track.