League Champion, trained by Rashed Bouresly, was the impressive winner of the featured 1200m handicap, kindly sponsored by Shadwell Stables, at Jebel Ali afternoon on Friday afternoon.
Fourth in the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint the previous evening, he was clearly unfazed by his quick return to action and won going away.
He was a first UAE winner for jockey Kerwin John who said: “He has a lot of speed but stays well up this hill. Last night was a great run and I was pretty confident we would win today.''
The trainer went on to secure a quick double when Donia Dubai won the 1600m handicap under Daragh O'Donohoe who said: “She was very gutsy as she has had to fight off several challengers. She is progressing nicely.''
Local trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam, who trains on the track predominantly for Shaikh Ahmad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was also in double form for his main patron.
Stable jockey William Buick was in the saddle on both with Dahteer winning the other 1600m handicap and Dig Gold the 1800m handicap.
Buick explained: “The horses are running well and I am really enjoying my first season here.''
Adi Selvaratnam, brother of Dhruba, won the last, a 1200m handicap, with Sama Dubai, the mount of Fernando Jara, while the opening Purebred Arabian conditions stakes, over 1400m, was won by Af Amthaal.
Trained by Bakhit Al Ketbi (as was the third GRP Baghdad), he was ridden by Willie Supple who, as always, was given a rousing reception by the Jebel Ali faithful.
Satish Seemar's Confederation landed the 1400m handicap under stable jockey Richard Mullen.
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Bouresly has a champion on his hands
Bouresly has a champion on his hands