All-weather works for Bigg N Rich at Al Ain Racecourse

Jockey James Doyle guides Bigg N Rich, left, to the win in the purebreed Arabian fourth race at Al Ain Racecourse on February 28, 2014. Sarah Dea / The National

The second meeting at Al Ain Racecourse on Friday was highlighted by a conditions race over 1,600 metres, which was a case of deja vu thanks to the victory of Bigg N Rich, the winner of an identical race at the track's first meeting four weeks ago.

Trained by Abu Dhabi-based Eric Lemartinel, Bigg N Rich was settled just off the pace by James Doyle. The pair could be seen to be well in control at the top of the long straight and Doyle was happy to wait until about the 300m marker before easing his mount to the front to record a smooth victory.

“He clearly loves these all-weather surfaces,” Doyle said. “He won at Meydan on all-weather earlier this year. But he has also won on dirt and turf as well.”

Lemartinel completed a double with Simbar Du Loup, the winner of the concluding 2,600m handicap.

The only thoroughbred contest, a 1,600m handicap, was won in style by local debutant Jeeran, ridden by Paul Hanagan for his main employer, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and trained by Doug Watson. Seemingly outpaced in the early stages behind a strong early gallop, Hanagan’s mount ran well in the straight to lead 100m out.

“Stamina really seems to be his forte,” Hanagan said. “This 1,600m would be his minimum trip.”

The meeting opened with a 1,400m maiden and former UAE champion jockey Wayne Smith made a winning start to his Al Ain career, landing the spoils on SNS Nujood.

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