Hallasan refuses to be denied in Jumeirah Guineas Trial

Hallasan tenaciously saw off Al Qudra as the Charlie Appleby-trained duo dominated the finish to the Jumeirah Guineas Trial at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 31 January.

Runner-up to Age Of Gold on his seasonal return in the Jumeirah Stakes, Hallasan was alert from the gates and disputed the early running alongside Nedawy, with Al Qudra tracking the duo in third.

Nedawy went clear leaving the back, although Hallasan loomed up to claim the lead approaching the final quarter-mile as Al Qudra appeared strongly placed to make his challenge.

Hallasan kicked on over a furlong out and the son of Pinatubo responded gamely for Richard Mullen, seeing out the mile well for a length verdict over Al Qudra.

Richard Mullen said: “Hallasan is a good horse. He had the edge fitness-wise over Al Qudra, who is a smart horse. My lad is not overly big, but he is very genuine and travels well.

“The horse on the outside lit him up a bit early doors, but the one thing he does is put his neck out and gallop all the way to the line.

“He has come on for that first run, which we thought he would, and I would imagine it will be the same for Al Qudra.”