Rb Rich Lyke Me sounds out Dubai Kahayla Classic warning

American import Rb Rich Lyke Me stamped himself as a Dubai Kahayla Classic (PA Group 1) contender after dominating his rivals to win the Bani Yas (G2) Sponsored by Dubai Police, at Meydan Racecourse on Thursday (Nov 18) evening.

The first-ever Arabian to represent Bahraini owner/ trainer Fawzi Nass, Rb Rich Lyke Me and jockey Adrie de Vries crossed the line 14 lengths clear of Rb Kinsman (Amur Al Rasbi) with Mh Rahal further three-quarter lengths back in third.

A five-year-old son of British stallion Majid Al Arab, the winner was always going well and pulled clear at the two-furlong mark, seemingly getter even stronger as he flashed past the post.

“I expected a lot from him,” said de Vries, a 12-time champion in his native Netherlands.

“He’s the first Arabian for Fawzi so we don’t have much to compare him with. He’s wasn’t a hundred percent fit today but he didn’t need to be to win in this class. But the way he did it is very promising.

“He was fresh today he jumps well. He doesn’t seem to get tired he’s got a natural speed and the stamina to keep going so you would have to think that the Kahayla Classic will suit him,” added de Vries.

Thursday’s card, which honored frontline workers at government entities, also featured six thoroughbred races highlighted by the 1400 metre Dubai Health Authority Conditions Stakes featuring the seasonal debut of 2021 UAE Oaks (G3) heroine Mnasek.

However, it was stable companion Faithful Soldier and Sam Hitchcott who did the better work to post a comfortable two-length victory with the Rashed Bouresly-trained Hawa Bilady staying on for third place, three-quarter lengths in areas.

“He was drawn nicely in gate one, so we were hopeful that he’ll get a nice position on the rail,” said Hitchott. “He knuckled down nicely and when I asked him he found more.”

Watson  would go on to complete a meet treble and take his tally of winners to eight after sending out Mulfit (George Buckell) to win the Dubai Ambulance Handicap over 2,000 metrres.

Earlier in the evening, the reigning champion trainer had saddled Taking Notes to land the Dubai Civil Defence Maiden over 1,200 metres.

Trainer Bhupat Seeemar also picked up a double with Kafoo who won the Dubai Municipality Maiden and Imperial Empire who was an impressive winner of the Roads & Transport Handicap over 1,400 metres.

“He’s a lovely horse,” said seven-time UAE champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea of Imperial Empire.

“Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum is a great supporter of racing, not just in the UAE but around the world so it’s fantastic to be associated with him and to ride winners in his colours. Imperial Empire is a very laid-back horse and he got the job done easily. The more ground he covers the better he is.

The next meeting at Meydan Racecourse is scheduled for Thursday, December 2.

Results

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Meydan Racecourse – Dubai Police Race Night

Race 1. Bani Yas (Group 2) Sponsored By Dubai Police

Purebred Arabians. Distance:  1400M(a7F) – Dirt. Purse: AED 97,500

1.      Rich Lyke Me (Fawzi Nass) Adrie De Vries

2.      Rb Kinsman (A Al Balushi) Amur Al Rasbi

3.      Mh Rahal (E Jeanne)  Richard Mullen

4.      Rb torch (A Khan Adam) Antonio Fresu.

Winning owner: Victorious & Fawzi Nass

9 Ran. Also ran: Af Sanad, Jawaal , Af Al Sajanile, Rb Blyng, Cheik Roque.

Distances: 14 lengths, 0.75l, 1.25l.

Winning time: 01:33.31 secs.

Race 2. Dubai Civil Defense Maiden

Thoroughbreds. Distance: 1200M(a6F) – Dirt Purse: AED 82,500

1.      Taking Notes (D Watson) Patrick Dobbs

2.      Summer Is Tomorrow (B Seemar) Tadhg O’Shea

3.      Street Mood (R Al Rayhi) Sandro Pall

4.      Mr Kafoo (A bin Harmash) Ray Dobson.

Winning owner: Sheikh Mohmmed Obaid Al Maktoum.

7 Ran. Also ran:  Conglomerate, Made In Dubai, Bin Askar.

Distances: 8.3 lengths.25l, 1.25l25l.

Winning time: 01:12.32secs.

Race 3. Dubai Municipality Maiden

Thoroughbreds. Distances: 1600M(a8F) – Dirt Purse: AED 82,500

1.      Kafoo (B Seemar) Tadhg O’Shea

2.      Al Maroom (B Seemar) Sean Kirrane (1.5kg)

3.      Bawadi Spirit (D Watson) Patrick Dobbs

4.      Endifaa (F Nass) Adrie de Vries

Winning owner: Sheikh Mohmmed Obaid Al Maktoum.

10 Ran. Also Ran: Nayefah, Knight’s Town, Talo, Beijing Billy, Sheringham, Jacksonville.

Distances: 6.5 lengths, 0.75lm 05l.

Winning time: 01:40:38secs.

Race 4. Roads & Transport Authority Handicap

Thoroughbreds. Distance: 1400M(a7F) – Dirt. Purse:  AED 87,500

1.      Imperial Empire (B Seemar) Sean Kirrane (1.5kg)

2.      Tabarak (R. Bouresly) Fernando Jara

3.      Royal Sands (D Watson) Sam Hitchcott

4.      Ra’Ad (B Seemar) Tadhg O’Shea

16 Ran. Also ran: Noston George, Capla Crusader, Welcome surprise, Almu, gir, Rich And Famous, Moqarrah, Gold Factory, Champit, Visible Charm, California Jumbo, Alemaratalyiun, Zaajer.

Winning Owner: Al Rashid Stables LLC

Distances: 3.5lengths, 1.75l, 2.75l.

Winning time: 01:25:28secs.

Race 5. Dubai Health Authority Conditions Stakes

Thoroughbreds. Distance: 1400M(a7F) – Dirt. Purse: AED 95,000

1.      Faithful Soldier (D Watson) Sam Hitchcott

2.      Mnasek (D Watson) Patrick Dobbs

3.      Hawa Bilady (R. Bouresly) Richard Mullen

4.      Miami Joy (I Mhammed) Antonio Fresu

6 Ran. Also ran: Light Beam, Cocobai.

Winning Owner: A.L. Butler.

Distances: 2.26 lengths, 0.75l, 2l.

Winning time: 01:26.02secs.

Race 6. Dubai Ambulance Handicap

Thoroughbreds. Distance: 2000M(a10F) – Dirt. Purse: AED 87,500

1.      Mulfit (D. Watson) George Buckell

2.      Dark of Night (M Al Muheiri) Antonio Fresu

3.      Miller’s House (B Seemnar) Sean Kirrane (1.5kg)

4.      Monoski (S bin Ghadayer) Royston Ffrench)

11 Ran. Also Ran: Zero To A Hundred, Meqdam, Dalaalaat, Zucchini, Arabian Moon, Grand Argentier, Gundogdu.

Winning Owner: Al Ghandi Racing.

Distances: 8lenghts, 3.25l, 1.5l.

Winning time: 02:07.32 secs.

Race 7. Dubai Media Incorporated Handicap

Thoroughbreds. Distance: 1200M(a6F) – Dirt Purse: AED 92,500

1.      Vasari (M Al Muheiri) Antonio Fresu

2.      Wufud (B Seemar) Tadhg O’Shea

3.      Trickbag (I Ramadhan) Ray Dawson

4.      Sadeedd (N Bachalard) Fernando Jara

Winning Owner: Union Racing & Abdallah Al Mamari

12 ran. Also ran: Hyde Park, Grab And Run, Raahy, Sharamm, Brummore, Shanghai City, Ababil, Quiet Endeavour.

Distances: 1.75 lengths, 4.25l, 1.26l.

Winning time:  01:12:97secs.