Champion jockey Tadhg O'Shea wows fans with exciting three-timer

Dubai - Talented Irish rider lands Dubai Creek Mile aboard ex-Russian horse Tuz

Reigning UAE champion jockey Tadhg O’Shea came to Thursday’s race meeting wearing his trademark smile, but he left for home later in the evening, grinning from ear to ear, after recording a stunning three-timer.

The undoubted highlight of his fine performance was the victory aboard former Russian-trained Tuz, in the featured Dubai Creek Mile Presented by The Longines Master Collection.

Having tracked the leaders early on Tuz was ridden to lead inside the final furlong and he picked up well to cross the finish a length and a quarter clear of Eastern World and Ray Dawson.

“The feel he gives you is top draw,” said O’Shea. “That was a very strong renewal of the race, it was like a mini Godolphin Mile.

“He’s a horse that we always knew hand the talent, he just has to put it together like he did tonight.”

Less than 30 minutes earlier O’Shea was involved in what was arguably the best race of the season at Meydan, the 1,400 metres Longines Elegant Handicap, where he and his mount Kafoo battled bravely to deny Prince Eiji and Pat Dobbs after a sustained duel through the final furlong.

“This is as good a horse race as you will ever see,” said a delighted O’Shea.

“That was a proper horse race between two very, very good horses

“He’s a very good horse to do what he’s done. He really battled against a battle-seasoned horse,” the jockey added.

“The beauty about this horse is that it was only his second run, he’s going to learn again and hopefully continue to progress. He’s going to be a top horse for his connections.

The champion jockey completed his treble aboard Azure Coast in the 1,400 metre Mirdif Stakes Presented by The Longines Dolce Vita Stakes. The winner was trained by Russian handler Pavel Vashechenko.

“I think he can improve but if that’s all he’s got I’m still happy with him. He’s a great horse.”