Review: Jebel Dhanah and Wrappin Up
Galesburg Burns the Abu Dhabi Club Turf
Race meeting at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on this Sunday, 04 February 2018 was highlighted by the Jebel Dhanah 1600m Handicap. The race was stylishly won by Galesburg ridden by Richard Mullen for trainer Satish Seemar. The son of Shamardal held on to his position in the front and took a leaping lead in the final 100m dashing it to a victory.
“He is an ultra-consistent horse who seldom runs a bad race and we have been looking for a turf opportunity with him so this race was ideal,” Mullen said. “We really thought he had a big chance and he has not disappointed. The horse deserved to get his head in front after so many good efforts in defeat.”
Mutawakked came in second ridden by Jim Crowley and Sahaafy came in a disappointing third ridden by Jesus Rhosales. Sahhafy could not hold on to his early lead and paid the price by coming third.
Another attraction was the 2200m Wrappin Up Handicap Race which was run by only seven horses. Al Tiryaq won the race with ease and secured his fourth career win and all at Abu Dhabi.
“He is a nice little horse and has plenty of ability for this kind of grade,” Hitchcott said. “My hardest job this evening was getting him to settle, but once he relaxed, I was always fairly confident. The one thing I know he can do is accelerate, so off that slow pace I knew he would quicken when I wanted. He is pretty versatile regarding trip, but does have that turn of foot which is so important in these races.”
All the seven horses had a chance to win the race but Hitchcott made sure his horse didn’t lose focus and took him through to the racing post. Bf Mughader and Molahen El Alhan came in second and third respectively.
By Apurva Chavan , Racing Writer, apurva.chavan@secretariatsworld.com