Hitchcott wins Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Cup as Beasley, Curatolo enjoy double in Sharjah

The season opener at Sharjah showcased the Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Cup and the feature produced a finish worthy of its prominence on the card when a brilliant effort in the saddle from Sam Hitchcott aboard Eyjabi secured a first victory as trainer for Dennis O’Brien.

The chances of victory for the grey, sporting the Al Asayl silks, looked fairly remote leaving the back straight as the combination had just four rivals behind them and others appeared to be travelling with more relish.

However, Hitchcott persevered aboard the six-year-old who finally worked his way into contention in the straight as he moved onto the heels of the leaders.

Octave, with Al Moatasem Al Balushi aboard, appeared to have hit the front at the perfect time as he claimed AF Layth with what appeared a race-winning challenge late on, however, Hitchcott had the final say, forcing Eyjabi ahead on the line for a neck success to cue post-race celebrations.

Jockey Ryan Curatolo picked up where he left off at Al Ain on day one of the new UAE campaign by registering a sparkling double courtesy of victories for Dalmouj and Farhaan.

The Jaber Bittar-trained Dalmouj made short work of his rivals in Sharjah’s first race of the new campaign, a maiden over 1200m.

Partnering the grey son of Mahabb, Curatolo tracked the early speed cut out by Hadbaa and Daeya before taking control at the mid-race point.

Adaaj emerged as the chief threat at halfway, but when he hung away his chance on the run to the line, Dalmouj and his rider finished in splendid isolation, more than five lengths clear of their rivals.

There was more than a twist of Gallic flare to the result of the Longines Spirit Flyback handicap when Frenchman Curatolo partnered comprehensive winner Farhaan to victory for countryman Jean-Claude Pecout.

It paid to race handily in the 1700m event as the winner was always prominent, moving sweetly, while runner-up Al Akhaf enjoyed a ground-saving Tadgh O’Shea ride on the rail.

As the field turned for home, Farhaan was committed for home and, although Al Akhaf appeared to be travelling the stronger of the duo, Pecout’s five-year-old lengthened in taking fashion to run out a comprehensive winner.

Hamad Al Marar clearly has his horses well forward for the new UAE season and debutant Ha Sahaba gave her trainer a second victory in 24 hours with a game success in the 1000m Longines Master Collection maiden under Connor Beasley.

The chestnut filly displayed sharp speed from the stalls, displaying no signs of inexperience, to swiftly establish a healthy lead over her field by halfway.

At that point Beasley, who was instigating a double on the card, wound up his filly for a final push and she answered his every call to score by a length-and-a-half from the closing Arizona and Leandro Chimenes.

Trainer Qaiss Aboud also saddled the third home with Al Delhab finishing a further half-length in arrears with Moroccan rider Omar Lakjal in the saddle.

Al Marar had unleashed impressive American import RB Money Maker 24 hours beforehand at Al Ain and is clearly a trainer to keep on side this term.

Beasley duly completed his brace in the Longines Spirit Zulu Time Handicap when the Abdallah Al Hammadi-trained Maaly Al Reef gave the UK rider a second winner on the card when fighting off Saleet following a thrilling late duel.

The early pace for the 2000m event looked very strong and both the winner and third home, Jason D’Viallettes, were well adrift of the gallop as the field left the back straight.

Eventually though, the pace relented turning for home, allowing Beasley the opportunity to burst between tiring rivals on his willing accomplice and snatch a lead which seemed unlikely at halfway.

To his credit, Saleet who had raced handily throughout in the hands of Tadgh O’Shea, stuck to his task extremely gamely inside the final 200m to force a photograph on the line.

It was Al Hammadi’s veteran who gained the nose verdict however to give his trainer a first winner of the new campaign.