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Molhen Al Elhan fancied in Ladies World Championship

A quality field of 16 runners to battle it out for top honours.

Leading Dutch jockey Jadey celebrates her victory in Germany. Supplied photo

Abu Dhabi: Top Dutch lady jockey Jadey Pietrasiewicz is upbeat about her chances to rule the women’s racing world as the 30-year-old professional rider partners Molahen Al Elhan in the 1,600m grand finale of the HH Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) Prestige at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday evening.

A quality field of 16 runners has been declared to battle it out for the Dh200,000, the richest ladies race in prize-money while eight professionals versus eight amateurs face the starter.

“I have been riding Molahen Al Elhan in the last couple of days at the Al Asyl Stables and he’s a real contender to get the job done,” Pietrasiewicz said.

The same opinion was echoed by the South African handler Ernst Oertel who looks after the four-year-old Al Nasr’s gelding on behalf of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“He ran well to win his last two outings over course and distance and at his best it’s hard to beat,” he said.

The highest rated horse in the field is the Eric Lemartinel-trained Bigg N Rich and will be ridden by the Belgium lady Anna Van Den Troost, an impressive winner in the 10th round of the series at Duindigt racecourse in Holland.

Bigg N Rich is a group-1 horse who has won three of his last six renewals on the All Weather surface, but has disappointed in most of his turf appearances. But, it would be irrational to rule out.

Norwegian representative Veronica Aske who’s also an assistant to Ernst Oertel will be on board Haajeb for trainer Yousef Al Baloushi in the distinguished silks of the patron of the festival Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs.

But, whether the young amateur lady who is taking part by invitation will be able to turn the tables against the horse of her boss remains uncertain.

In the 2,200m HH Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak Apprentice Championship (IFAHR) Prestige, Japan’s apprentice jockey Yuji Nakai has every chance to bring Takaamul home and fly the flag of his nation at this international gathering.

“He’s a course and distance winner and should be thereabouts,” said the Grandstand handler Ali Rashid Al Raihe who’s looking after the homebred Djebbel gelding on behalf of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance.

Apart from the two international events, 10 highly regarded Arabians line up for honours in the big race of the night, the 1,600m Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (PA) Group-3, the fifth race on the card.

Bottom weight, Shayel Aldhabi should snatch the verdict under Tadhg O’Shea as the five-year-old smart mare returns to her best hunting turf ground.

“She’s very honest and ran a cracking race behind Rabbah De Carrier over course and distance in the HH the President Cup (Group-1) last season finishing ahead of leading contenders,” Oertel said.

Meanwhile, the all Arabian six-race card kicks off early in the afternoon with a 1,400m Qasr Al Bahr PA maiden, the 1,600m Saadiyat PA Handicap and the opening round of the 1,600m Wathba Stud Farm Cup For Private Owners (PA) series.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com