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Raihana Rides to Brilliant Victory

Raihana cruised to an easy victory under Christophe Soumillon to land the 1800m UAE Oaks at the Meydan Racecourse on Thursday.

The Elusive Quality filly did well when the Frenchman said ‘go’ and responded very impressively in the concluding stages ahead of Bikini Babe as the Godolphin filly Siaadah finished off the pace in third.

UAE jockey Ahmed Ajtebi led Antinori from last to first in the 2200m TBs handicap The Meydan Hotel opening race on the card.

“We won easily and I didn’t need more than to shake the reigns,” the brilliant rider said.

Ajtebi is finishing third in the jockeys championship of the Dubai International Racing Carnival just on the heels of top French jockey Christophe 
Soumillon.

Ajtebi enjoyed a pleasant season with American trainer Eoin Harty who won the last edition of the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba with Well Armed 
last season.

Antinori set a new track record over the distance at 2.16.35 which is 0.38 seconds less than the time registered by stable companion Highland Glen under Frankie Dettori a couple of weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Royston Ffrench partnered Star Crowned to victory in the 1200m Meydan Museum in a close finish with the mount of Wayne Smith Good Control. Alo Pura, ridden by William Buick was less than a length back in third.

Mr Brock claimed the third race, the 2000m Meydan Horizons in the hands and heels of regular partner Kevin Shea. Local trained Meeriss took second and behind them came Hattan, Wayne Smith in the saddle.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com