“I won over 1400m here at Abu Dhabi on this horse in December,” Beasley said. “He was then third and caught in the final strides, both over 1400m. This drop in trip has suited him.”
In winning the 6-furlong race, Hawafez finished ahead of Ashton Tourettes under Fabrice Veron and Noof KB came third under Tadhg O’Shea.
Earlier, one of the biggest races of the season in the Capital, was highlighted by the 2200m AED 2,500,000 Group 1 HH The President Cup for Purebred Arabians. Ali Rashid Al Rayhi-trained Dubai-based Al Zahir was able to become the fourth horse to win the race more than once, defending the crown he first wore 12 months ago and defeating France’s Al Shamoos, winning of November’s rich Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (G1) organised by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival.
Retained by owner His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, Jim Crowley was in the saddle on the winner once again as he made the winning move with 750m remaining and ultimately outstayed the aforementioned mare.
The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. LLC as associate sponsors, The National Archives as the official partner and Emirates airline as the official carriers, in cooperation with Emirates Racing Authority, IFAHR, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and sponsored by Ayadi LLC, Global United Veterinary Services LLC, Wathba Stallions, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, Emirates Falconers Club, Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Awani General Enterprises, Kabale, Omeir Travels, Laboratories Fadia Karam Cosmetics, YAS Channel, Racing Post, Paris Turf, Al Wathba Centre, the UAE’s General Women’s Union, The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2017, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Eastern Mangroves Suites-Abu Dhabi by Jannah, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Spa and Resort.
