Meshakel storms to victory at Meydan but UAE Derby is a long shot for Salem bin Ghadayer

Fernando Jara rides his 150th winner in the UAE

Fernando Jara on board Major Cinnamon steering the first of his two winners at Meydan on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Courtesy Dubair Racing Club

Salem bin Ghadayer has all but ruled out Meshakel from running in the UAE Derby even after the Shamardal colt romped to a convincing seven and-a-half lengths victory at Meydan on Thursday.

Returning to the track after a disappointing run in the Saudi Derby on February 20, Meshakel under Xavier Ziani made all to win the 1,600-metre conditions race from Zhou Storm.

“After the Saudi Derby, we wanted to get him back for a race to restore his confidence, which he did in no small way,” Bin Ghadayer said.

“It was very disappointing in Saudi. A lot of things happened there. For two days, we couldn’t even train the horse.”

Bin Ghadayer has Panadol of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, in the UAE Derby.

“If we are going for the Derby we must go with a chance but it will be a big question mark on the distance for him,” the Emirati said when asked if he was ready to run Meshakel in the 1,900m race if invited.

“We have Panadol for the Derby. As a trainer, I would save him [Meshakel] for the next season.

“However, I always seek the opinion of His Highness even if it’s a horse I own. I’m ready to take whatever decision he makes.”

Fernando Jara brought up his 150th winner in the UAE by riding the first two winners on the night.

The Panamanian, who made a sensational debut at Meydan when he rode Invasor to victory in the 2007 Dubai World Cup in the silks of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, reached the milestone on Ahmad bin Harmash’s Al Mureib in the second race.

“He ran a good race on his first start on the turf in Abu Dhabi [fourth] and was unplaced on his dirt debut at Meydan, but still ran a decent race in an inadequate mile,” Jara said of the Dubawi gelding.

Jara took the opener on Mujeeb Rahman’s Major Cinnamon. He broke well from gate 8 before taking up the running entering the final furlong to win from Szczepan Mazur on Ajmal by two lengths.

“He’s run five times and run consistently well this season, and was a deserving winner tonight,” Rahman said of the four-year-old American bred Tapiture gelding.

“He was runner up once and placed third twice, and was a bit unlucky (when unplaced) in his other start. He now deserves a break and we’ll bring him back next season.”