Seven went to post for the opening 1600m maiden, restricted to 3-year-olds foaled in the UAE and in private ownership, but only two were ever really involved with Tadhg O’Shea attempting to lead from the outset on AF Istintaq but his mount had no answer when challenged by debutant Samau Xmnsor about 275m from home.

Having stalked O’Shea, whose mount had the advantage of one previous outing, Omani apprentice Abdul Aziz Al Belushi drove his mount to the front and found a willing partner, always seemingly in control once in front, the jockey opening his account for the season in the process.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Horse Racing Festival is sustained by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism 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 , Emirates Airline as the official carrier, sponsored by Al Massood Automobiles Nissan, Areej Alameerat, Omeir Travels Agency, YAS Sports TV., Viola Communications, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, the UAE’s General Women’s Union , Emirates Arabian Horse Society & Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club