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Delight for Simpson

Abu Dhabi - The UAE Arabian Derby was the highlight of Sunday’s six race Abu Dhabi card and the 2200m feature was won in style by Seraphin Du Paon on his racecourse debut for Rod Simpson.

William Buick was in the saddle on the 4yo who was held up in mid division before being unleashed as the runners turned into the straight.

At this time Samira De Carrere, one of two fillies in the race, was in front but she had no answer to a perfectly-timed challenge from Buick.

Simpson said: “We have always like this horse and this race has always been his target. William (Buick) has given him a great ride and timed that to perfection.”

Jaci Wickham and Richard Mullen combined for a second time to win the Emirates Fillies’ Classic, over 1600m and restricted to 4yo fillies.

Having won it in 2007 with Al Khawssaa W’Ran, they repeated the trick this year with Raeaa W’RSan who was produced fast and late by Mullen to lead close home and deny Sama Bu Dhabi and front running Farah Ghantoot.

The winner was reversing earlier form with the runner-up to the delight of Mullen who said: “She is a nice filly and was unlucky to be beaten last time. I was hopeful of a big run and she has done it well.”

The only Thoroughbred race on the card was the concluding 1400m conditions race and Carlos Sanchez was in the saddle on the Abdulla Bin Huzaim-trained Landowner who held the late challenge of Balierus under Willie Supple.

The 2200m handicap was won by the Gill Duffield-trained Muntaliq who was making his seasonal reappearance under Richard Hills. Off the track since November 2008, he was winning for the fourth time and was continuing the fine form of the Duffield team.

Hills said: “Gill has her horses in great form and that is a good training performance after a long while off. I had to commit him a fair way out but he has run on bravely.”

Wayne Smith was in the saddle on Das Jalabi who landed the opening 2200m conditions race for trainer Bakhit Al Ketbi to record a second career win on his fifth start. Smith said: “He is a nice lightly-raced horse who can hopefully progress with experience.”

The 2200m maiden produced a thrilling finish with Dubai, Mooser and Af Thaariyah all flashing past the post together. It was Dubai, under Smith, who held on bravely to complete a double both for himself and trainer Al Ketbi.

The jockey said: “He has fought bravely to just hold on. It was only his fourth start and he may have more to offer.”

• Abu Dhabi