Down On Da Bayou completes back-to-back victories at Jebel Ali

Salem bin Ghadayer and Royston Ffrench celebrate double on Saturday

Royston Ffrench steers Down On Da Bayou to victory in Jebel Ali on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Photo: DHRIC

Down On Da Bayou, the 2020 UAE 1000 Guineas runner up and the only filly in the race, proved far too good for her five rivals and won a conditions prize at Jebel Ali on Saturday.

Drawn in stall one, the five-year-old daughter of Super Saver romped home by five-and-a-half lengths to give the trainer-jockey partnership of Salem bin Ghadayer and Royston Ffrench the first of their two prizes at the meeting.

“She has come back to form this season which is great to see,” Ffrench said. “I think the 1,600-metre is her best trip and the Jebel Ali Mile would suit but that is up to the trainer and owner [Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed].”

Bin Ghadayer and Ffrench were celebrating a double half hour later by landing the concluding handicap with Lahmoom for owners Alqemmah Racing Team.

Andrea Atzeni, riding for his main employer Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, delivered the Doug Watson-trained Lost Eden with a late run to take the Rated Conditions prize over the 1,950m trip.

The gelded son of Sea The Stars was winning for a third time having scored twice in Britain for Richard Hannon.

He was runner-up on his local debut over 1,600m in Jebel Ali, and unfortunately unseated Atzeni soon after the start in a 2,000m Meydan handicap last Friday.

“He ran well here over 1,600m on his first start and then unseated Andrea last week at Meydan which was unfortunate,” Watson said.

“We hope he could be our Jebel Ali Stakes horse over this 1950m which he has stayed very well.”

Atzeni added: “That is my first Jebel Ali winner so pleased to ride one for the boss who I am sure is watching at home. It is probably about ten years since I have ridden here, mind you.”

Class prevailed in the 1,000m handicap with Alkaraama, winner of the 2020 Listed Jebel Ali Sprint over the track and trip, winning the handicap under Dane O’Neill.

“This horse just loves it here at Jebel Ali and we will have to sit down and talk about where to go next but I guess another crack at the Jebel Ali Sprint is the obvious one,” O’Neill said of the six year old son of War Front.