ABU DHABI // The Al Reef Stables sounded an early warning when Carallio, with new rider Munthar al Baloushi on top, claimed yesterday's curtain raiser endurance race, the Boudthib Cup for Young Riders and Juniors run over 100 kilometres, at the Boudthib Endurance Village. There were some good fortunes too for the victorious stables. The first horse to cross the finish line, Al Wathba Stables' eight-year-old South African bred gelding EO Jaras, ridden by Abdulla Rashid al Naqbi, was vetted out at the final veterinary check.
The race was then awarded to Baloushi, who clocked 3 hrs 46min and 51 sec. Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum on Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum-owned Propadollah Baily, was more than 11 minutes behind in second place. Ahmed Salem al Subose (Woodbourne Carson) was third ahead of Aliya al Marzouqi (Reeville Saban) and Saudi Arabian Osama Haider Ali (Worthalook) in a field of 55. Yousef al Baloushi, the trainer of Carallio and brother of the winning rider, said the result only goes on to show that the horses have been prepared well over the summer and now ready for the new season.
"This horse was returning to the races after two years from injury," said the trainer and leading rider of the Al Reef Stables. "He has won twice over 120km and I am really happy to see him back, more than the win. "I wasn't really happy with the rider, my younger brother, particularly in the final stretch of the race when it became apparent of a tight finish. Munthar was tired and I could see the stirrups moving wide. That wasn't the most pleasing sight."
It was Munthar's first career win after crossing over to Al Reef from the Al W'Rsan Stables. @Email:apassela@thenational.ae
