Classy Messi aces Dhs5m Sheikh Zayed Jewel Crown by a long shot

Dobbs settled Messi in behind leader RB Frynchh Dude when the rival later came under pressure. Dobbs committed for a home with about 275m remaining and the result was sealed in a matter of strides. This was his seventh career win, fifth on turf, but his first at Group 1 level

ABU DHABI

Racing on the Abu Dhabi turf on Friday was highlighted by the most valuable race to be staged in the capital all season, the 2200m Group 1 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown and the valuable prize went to Belgium courtesy of Messi.

Previously contested over 1600m, but increased by 600m in distance this year, the new trip certainly suited the winner under a very polished and confident ride from Pat Dobbs. Sixteen may have gone to post, but very few managed to get seriously involved, Dobbs settling his mount in behind leader RB Frynchh Dude. When that rival came under pressure, Dobbs committed for a home with about 275m remaining and the result was sealed in a matter of strides. Remarkably, the 8-year-old is the only horse in training for trainer Timo Keersmaekers and is homebred, as well as owned, by his family.

This was his seventh career win, fifth on turf, but his first at Group One level and a delighted Keersmaekers said: “That was brilliant! The horse has been in such good form all year and had been working well, so we were hopeful.

“Pat Dobbs has given him the perfect ride and I must thank Adrie de Vries for recommending Pat when it was clear he could not take the ride. My wife is here with our young daughter which makes it extra special.”