Dubai, January 31 The Group II Al Rashidiya was run overnight at Meydan in Dubai with Mike de Kock training the quinella with a couple of Aussie breds in Mujaarib and Mushreq, both of them foaled and raised at Yarraman Park for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.
A Group II winner in South Africa, Nadeem five year-old Mujaarib was making his debut in Dubai and proved too good for his stablemate Mushreq (Flying Spur x Alharir) in the 1800 metre contest on turf in scoring by a neck.
“I’m as surprised as anyone – I did not think he could win,” said Mike de Kock.
“He’s had a lot of problems in his life but Sheikh Hamdan has been very patient. Mushreq was probably a bit unlucky he didn’t get out but we’ll take that with both hands.”
Asked which will be the better horse in future races, De Kock said: “I don’t care. I’m just happy to have won today.”
Foaled and raised at Yarraman Park, Mujaarib has won five of 10 starts and is a half-brother to stakes-placed Tahtheeb being one of six winners from Mihnah (IRE), who died in 2011.
