DUBAI // Oasis 1 Stables achieved a unique treble at Jebel Ali on Friday, claiming the third and final of the track's Listed contests to add to the two they had already snagged earlier in the season.
And in a day of records, Richard Hills achieved his landmark 500th UAE victory when riding Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid's Mutajare to victory in the penultimate race.
Trainer Musabah Al Muhairi, jockey Wayne Smith and owner, Fathi Esaed Mohammed Egziama combined to take the Jebel Ali Stakes and Jebel Ali Mile with Treble Jig in January.
Friday Russian Rock ran home the comfortable winner of the Jebel Ali Sprint to round off the trio's record-breaking feat.
"It's great for the Oasis 1 team," said Smith, who is the UAE's champion jockey.
"I'm just really happy for all the people who put in such a lot of hard work every day to get these horses to the races."
Russian Rock signalled his readiness for the Listed contest when winning the official Jebel Ali Sprint Prep in comfortable fashion at the end of February.
On that occasion he triumphed over his stable companion, Fityaan, by almost two lengths.
Friday's race saw history repeat itself with Fityaan, under Richard Hills, coming home as a runner-up for Al Muhairi and owner, Sheikh Hamdan.
Egziama said his winning treble was a racehorse owner's dream come true.
"I did not have my eye on this achievement at the start of the season, but it is a dream for an owner to win three Listed races like this," he said. "My thanks go to the very good trainer and jockey who have done very well with these horses.
"I think we will be back again next season, but who knows what good horses will come to try and win the title from us."
Egziama has a busy weekend of racing as he travels to Meydan Racecourse today to watch his Jebel Ali Stakes and Mile winner, Treble Jig, attempt to further his UAE career in the Super Saturday Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3.
Kilt Rock, the plucky runner from Doug Watson's Red Stables, put in a brave performance to claim third place behind Russian Rock and Fityaan under Tadhg O'Shea.
"I could not ask for more from him," said Watson. "He's had a long season and he's acquitted himself very well.
"He has been a real star for us."
Kilt Rock, owned by UAE racing syndicate, Emirates Entertainment Racing Club, claimed four consecutive victories at Jebel Ali this season.
He was also second by a head in a conditions race at the dirt track.
Kilt Rock will now be put away until next season when he will be targeted specifically at the Jebel Ali Sprint.
"We'll be back next year and he'll be a bit stronger and aimed at this race," said Watson.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
match info
Manchester United 3 (Martial 7', 44', 74')
Sheffield United 0
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
