Sha’an overcomes Saafeer to triumph in Sharjah racing season opener

Yas Racing’s Sha’an produced a strong finish to overcome stablemate Saafeer in the closing stages and secure victory in the Sharjah Sports Council Race, highlighting an exciting start to the new season at Sharjah Longines Racecourse on Saturday.

Under Samuel Legrix, the son of Mahabb battled fiercely with Saafeer throughout the contest before pulling clear in the final strides to win it by almost a length.

The opening meeting featured six races dedicated to the Purebred Arabians.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Majid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyaee, Director of the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, dignitaries and representatives of the event’s sponsors attended the opener.

Asim Baynounah, owned by Abu Dhabi Racing, made a commanding start to the meeting, storming to victory in the opening race sponsored by Sharjah Municipality.

Trained by Saif Al Mehairi and ridden by Sandro Paiva, the RB Burn colt produced a dominant display over 1,200 metres, surging ahead of his rivals to win by an emphatic 6.48 lengths.

The Sharjah Public Works Department race produced a thrilling battle between Salem Rashid Al Neyadi’s Bashasha Al Reef and Waseem Baynounah, with the former emerging victorious.

Trained by Jaber Bitar and partnered by Qais Al Busaidi, Bashasha Al Reef showcased impressive determination and stamina in a competitive field of 16 horses.

The pair remained locked in a close contest before Bashasha Al Reef stepped up the pace in the final furlong, edging ahead of Waseem Baynounah to secure win in an exciting finish.

Rabdan Al Buhais edged past Muntaha in the Maliha Municipality race. Ridden by Hamed Al Busaidi and trained by Qaiss Aboud, the grey colt completed the race in 1:05.29 while Muntaha AW, under Jules Mobian finished a close second in 1:05.30.

The result marked a winning debut for Rabdan Al Buhais, who showed promising form to take the honours. With Bernardo Pinheiro in the iron, Al Ain Stud’s AS Mared Al-Bahr won the fourth race which was sponsored by Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority.

Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda’s AF AlHazem brought the meeting to a close by winning the sixth race over 2,000 metres.

Trained by Ernst Oertel and ridden by Marcelino Rodrigues, the son of Fleur Du Cayrou showcased excellent pace from the outset.

He quickly established the lead, settled comfortably in front, and dictated the tempo of the race with confidence.

Displaying composure and strength throughout, he maintained his advantage under pressure and never looked back, crossing the finish line to seal victory.

“We are delighted to witness such an exciting start to the new racing season at Sharjah Longines Racecourse, with a competitive opening meeting that showcased the quality, talent and spirit of Purebred Arabian racing,” said Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyaee.

“The impressive performances across the six races reflect the dedication of the owners, trainers and jockeys, as well as the growing strength of horse racing in the UAE. We are proud to organise this meeting in collaboration with our valued sponsors and partners, whose continued support plays a vital role in the success of our events. We look forward to another memorable season,” he added.

Sharjah Longines Racecourse season features a series of signature contests that reflect the emirate’s enduring passion for the sport.

The season’s notable highlights include the HH The Ruler of Sharjah Cup, GCC Cup and HH Sharjah Crown Prince Cup.