Former Godolphin jockey Silvestre De Sousa, recently appointed stable jockey to Musabah Al Muhairi, was in double form at Al Ain yesterday.
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His brace was highlighted by the victory of Maltese Cat in a 1,400m handicap, the only Thoroughbred contest on the card.
De Sousa and his new boss had combined to win the concluding race at Meydan on Thursday, and the Brazilian jockey said: “It has been a good start to the new job and hopefully there is a good season ahead. We have some nice horses in the yard and hopefully there are plenty more winners to come.”
The jockey completed a double, steering Ubu Al Mels to victory in the concluding 1,000m handicap to the delight of trainer Mohd Ramadan.
The official feature was a 1,600m conditions race and Royston Ffrench drove Ghalib to a narrow victory for trainer Majed Al Jahouri.
They led close home to deny Pat Dobbs aboard Haajeb, saddled by Yousif Al Bloushi.
Another trainer to saddle a one-two was Helal Al Alawi with George Buckell and Alizee Du Bibal prevailing in a very close photo finish from Tadhg O’Shea aboard Mazaha.
MH Lazzaz is a maiden no more, having finally won, at the 22nd attempt, in a 1,400m handicap with Xavier Ziani performing the steering. It was a third UAE winner for trainer, Elise Jeanne, and a second this season.
A delighted trainer said: “We have made a good start to the season and this horse deserves a win after some decent efforts in defeat.”
The meeting opened with a 1,600m handicap and Richard Mullen continued his excellent start to the campaign with victory on Sabbaq for trainer Jaber Bittar.