Jebel Ali Mile on the cards for Shamaal Nibras after impressive win

Horse rewards his trainer’s faith by winning the featured 1,400-metre handicap at Jebel Ali in his third start after promising as much.

Shamaal Nibras with Patrick Dobbs was a clear winner at the post in Jebel Ali. Sarah Dea / The National

DUBAI // Shamaal Nibras was the impressive winner of the featured 1,400-metre handicap at Jebel Ali yesterday, the highlight of a double for trainer Doug Watson and stable jockey Pat Dobbs.

In his third start since joining Watson at the end of last season, Shamaal Nibras built on the promise shown when second on his seasonal debut at Meydan in early November.

Two weeks later he disappointed in another run at Meydan but bounced back to form in style here, always going well under a confident Dobbs.

The pair hit the front 300m out and ran on strongly to win and advertise the horse’s claims to be a serious contender for the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile.

“His second start probably came too soon after the first, so we have waited three weeks and been well rewarded. He is a horse we have always really liked,” Watson said.

“The Jebel Ali Mile is an obvious target, as well as the Carnival at Meydan.”

The double was completed by Hacienda, who landed a 1,600m handicap to win for the first time in the UAE – at the 22nd attempt. He prevailed in a three-way photo finish.

The meeting opened with an 1,800m handicap and Richard Mullen, riding for his main employer, Satish Seemar, scored on Mawhub – just as he had four weeks earlier over the same course and distance.

Also winning a month ago was Momaris, who landed a 1,400m handicap on that occasion and did so again here. Oisin Murphy was in the saddle for Dhruba Selvaratnam, who trains on the track for racecourse patron Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid.

Trainer Ahmed bin Harmash has made a slow start to the season but saddled his first winner this season when Wayne Smith made a late but fast charge to bring in Idler home.

It was only a second local start for the winner, who appeared to relish the dirt surface and, in particular, the stiff uphill finish.

The meeting concluded with a 1,600m maiden, won easily by Silver Galaxy, trained by Musabah Al Muhairi and ridden by Silvestre De Sousa, and far too good for 12 rivals.

Unraced when in the UK, this was only his third career start and first at Jebel Ali.

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