Al Ain: The meeting at Al Ain Racecourse was highlighted by Round 3 of the Al Ain Marathon Series, a 4100m handicap in which just six took their chance. Ultimately it turned into a procession by Ajjaj, under a masterful ride from Adrie de Vries.

With none of his five rivals wanting to make the running, the Dutchman allowed his horse to stride on, setting a modest gallop for the first 2000m. Suddenly, entering the back straight, Ajjaj had stolen a ten length advantage and his rivals started to react, closing up by the time the field entered the home turn. However, it appeared De Vries had just give his mount a breather because leaving that home bend, they had again opened up a decisive advantage and one they never looked like relinquishing.

First past the post on his previous two starts, for a different trainer, but subsequently disqualified after testing positive for a prohibited substance, he was having his first start for Jean de Roualle, who also saddled runner-up Shamikh Al Wathba, who stayed on too late to trouble the winner. Both horses are owned by Yas Horse Racing Management.

“To saddle first and second for His Highness Shaikh Mansour and Yas Horse Racing in the big race is a great result,” the trainer said. “Adrie has given the winner a perfect ride and he will be back for the final round over 5100m as will the runner-up. Shamikh Al Wathba has stayed on well and I imagine we will ride him closer to the pace next time but I am indebted to His Highness for this opportunity and very lucky to have such a good job.”

Earlier, the maximum field of 15 went to post for the 1400m maiden, but from a long way out it the identity of the winner was clear with Richard Mullen always looking supremely confident on Mulheim. They won by a staggering 22 lengths, initiating a double for Yas Horse Racing Management.

“Sam Hitchcott actually rode him last time over 1000m and said he was a nice horse who would be better over this trip,” Mullen said. “In fairness to the trainer, he was pretty confident, but I must admit the horse has certainly exceeded my expectations but everything went smoothly. It was only his second dirt start but he seems a natural on the surface and should stay 1600m but perhaps not much further.”

Jockey and trainer completed a double when Hamares flashed home to lead right on the line in a 1600m conditions race. Owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Hamares was also having his first start for Al Alawi, though, in case, was doubling his career tally having also won an 1800m Al Ain maiden in December 2016.

“It has been a good evening and it is a privilege to train these horses for Shaikh Mansour and Yas Horse Racing,” Al Alawi said. “Both our winners had been working well and we thought had decent chances, so to see them both win is fantastic.”

De Sousa gained quick revenge on Mullen in the following 2000m maiden, the only Thoroughbred race on the card, which they had between themselves from a long way out. The pair swept to the front leaving the home turn, with De Sousa-piloted Immortalised stalked by Mullen on stable companion Broadcloth. The former ultimately found more, in doing so becoming a first UAE winner for Frankel. Both are prepared by Satish Seemar.