Pais in class of his own

MOSCOW // Pais, ridden by V Cherednikov, ran the perfect race to outpace the hot favourite Wambat and win the UAE President Cup Hydra-Moscow Cup at the Moscow racecourse to emerge the easiest of winners. The race is held under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and sponsored by Hydra Properties. Wambat broke well and set the early pace in the five-furlong trip before being overtaken by the Samokhina-trained four-year-old son of Anchar as the pack turned for home.

"He's a great performer," said Cherednikov. "He has always impressed me. He's one of the best horses I have ridden." In the second race, Diligance made all the running to land the Cup of Russia Hydra for PA. Ridden by Russia's top jockey, A Kanukaev, Diligance showed his stamina when he was asked the question as the small field of five horses covered the first mile-and-a-half and hit the home turn with 400m to run.

"We are truly obliged to the strong support we have been receiving from our partners in the United Arab Emirates," said Sergey Efros, the president of the Russian National Horse Racing Society. "The race is achieving great success and improving from one year to another. Now, owners began to send their horses from all over the federation to race in Moscow," he added. Sultan al Marzouqi, the secretary general of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, said he was astonished by the progress of the President Cup.

"I'm delighted to see all these owners, trainers and horses taking part," he said. "We are planning to improve the trophy next year and introduce many other incentives for both owners and racegoers," he promised. * Agencies