Jim Crowley guides Jawaal to glory in Ruler of Sharjah Cup

Jockey opens account in UAE for season with double victory, with other winner coming on Watson’s Maqaadeer

Jim Crowley took the honours on Jawaal in the Ruler of Sharjah Cup on Saturday, February 27. Courtesy Erika Rasmussen/ERA

Jim Crowley opened his account in the UAE for the season with a double, including the Ruler of Sharjah Cup on board the Majed Al Jahouri-trained Jawaal, at Sharjah on Saturday.

Crowley brought the five-year-old entire to lead on the short straight but was made to work hard by Al Ajeeb W’Rsan, Alazoum and Maqam just a three-quarter length, a neck and short head separating the first four home.

“He really seems to like the Sharjah track and has won all his three races here," Al Jahouri said of the Purebred Arabian. “I am very happy that he was able to step up in trip and I am very lucky to be training this horse.

“He's still green and learning, so I think he needs time to grow and, we hope, he will be a nice class horse. Jim Crowley has done well on this horse before and I am very happy he accepted the ride and won well with him again.”

Crowley’s second winner was on Doug Watson’s Maqaadeer half an hour later in the concluding thoroughbred handicap.

Abdelkhir Adam celebrated his first winner since receiving his trainer’s licence in 2017 when Anna Bella Aa took the honours under Fabrice Veron, in the second race, from AF Almajhaz by a length.

“Obviously very pleased to finally have a winner after more than four years of trying,” the Abu Dhabi based Liwa Stables’ Sudanese trainer said.

“I knew she would win or go very close today because we knew she was in very good form and I told Fabrice that he had a big chance on her. He is a very good jockey and gave her a very good ride today.”

Fabrice went on to complete a double by taking the fourth race on Eric Lemartinel’s Tajaar.

“The horse really deserved a win after so many good placings, so I am delighted for him, the owner and the whole team,” Lemartinel said.