Jaafer Pulls Off Stunning Victory

DUBAI - Qatari horses asserted their supremacy over their UAE and Saudi Purebred Arabians following the impressive performance by Jaafer in the 2000m Arabians Dubai Kahayla Classic Gr-1, the opening race of the Dubai World Cup card at Meydan on Saturday.

By Hisham Al Gizouli

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Published: Mon 29 Mar 2010, 1:02 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 5:26 AM

Ridden by Adrie de Vries, the Julian Smart-trained seven-year-old son of Amer came up with a late run to pip the mount of Richard Hills No Risk Al Maury close home.

The race kicked started with 13 runners following a late withdrawal by hot favourite Mizzna for reasons that were not made public.

Under the circumstances, it was believed that the race has lost its excitement and No Risk Al Maury will be going for an easy win.

However, this was the case at the home straight when the favourite launched his claim and headed the pack with only 300m remaining. But, the Qatari raider came wide and put on exceptionally fast speed to emerge the easiest of winners at the finish line.

Jaafer, who came fresh from a Group-1 turf contest back at home which was won by Al Dahma, was not expected to handle the All Weather surface on debut.

Trainer Julian Smart said he settled well and enjoyed a nice trip from neighbouring Qatar, pointing out that everything is similar in the UAE, the weather and surroundings etc.

“He’s a well-bred and honest contender. I did expect him to run a big race,” he added.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance who fielded nearly half of the field earlier noted that No Risk Al Maury should not be fancied to win the race.

“He’s not a champion horse due to the very nature of his built,” he was quoted as saying by the Dubai Racing Channel earlier last week.

No Risk Al Maury was dethroned by the Qatari mare Al Dahma when he was out to defend his Dubai Stakes crown at Newbury last July. He finished third behind second-placed Fryvolous.

Meanwhile, Adrie de Vries, who rode Jaafer to glory, was delighted. “Travelled nicely all the way around there. He was in a different class. I was not concerned about being well back in the field early. He really loves the ground. It was my first ride at Meydan and to win at the first night was just amazing.”

Richard Hills, No Risk Al Maury’s jockey, said: “He travelled really good like he normally does.”


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