Last Gasp Win For Haafaguinea

Haafaguinea got up virtually on the line in a thrilling finish to the 10-furlong Jebel Ali Port Handicap on turf at Meydan, UAE on Thursday, January 15.

Godolphin's five-year-old son of Haafhd, trained by Saeed bin Suroor and partnered by James Doyle, soon raced in fourth on the inside rail as a steady pace was set up front.

Haafaguinea improved to go second entering the straight and started to make up the leeway with the clear leader Mr Pommeroy.

He steadily closed the gap and snatched success in the dying strides to win by a short-head in 2m 2.99s, giving a second victory of the evening to Godolphin, Saeed bin Suroor and James Doyle following success in the opening UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Sponsored By DP World UAE Region with Local Time.

James Doyle said: "When I looked at the race beforehand, it seemed there would be three or four front-runners. Obviously, one got pulled out down at the start but I don't know what happened to the others.

"It was a pedestrian pace early and a dash for two furlongs in the straight. I was just a little worried when I saw the leader quicken away from me but I thought with half a furlong to go we would have half a chance of catching him.

"Haafaguinea has a big heart and I think that is what won the day."

Maftool, who represented Godolphin in the previous race, the seven-furlong UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Supported By DP World UAE Region on dirt, was slowly away before coming through to take third.

Saeed bin Suroor commented: "The horses are running well and I am happy with two winners tonight.

"Maftool will go for the UAE 2000 Guineas, while Local Time will target the UAE 1000 Guineas."

James Doyle added: "It was a good run by Maftool. I must have missed the break by five lengths and he has been beaten five lengths.

"I have also given away a load of ground when trying to keep him out of the kickback. He came home well and had a good blow so the race will bring him on.

"A furlong further in the UAE 2000 Guineas (February 12) will be spot on."