Ahmed Ajtebi claimed the bragging rights over Frankie Dettori, his fellow Godolphin jockey, in the EBF Maiden Stakes at Sandown Park, England yesterday. Riding the Mahmood al-Zarooni-trained Ecliptic over seven furlongs, the Emirati won by eight lengths to post the racing operation's 61st win of the year. Dettori was challenging the favourite for the lead when Toolain jinked right and then left, causing Dettori to come out of the right-hand door.
The popular Italian then treated racegoers to an unexpected version of his trademark flying dismount as he fell from his mount just yards from the finishing post. His departure left Godolphin's runner well clear and Ajtebi's mount was able to coast across the line well clear of Surrey Star, the outsider. "My horse saw the big screen, jinked twice and I fell off," said Dettori. "Perhaps it will be a good omen for next week."
Ajtebi added: "In this game you always need some luck and even if Frankie had stayed on, I would have finished close to him or won the race. I saw Frankie coming to me before his horse ducked but I hadn't used my stick at that point and once I saw Frankie come off, I stopped riding my horse as I was seven lengths clear." Ecliptic broke smartly and led on wide outside, tacking across towards inside rail after a furlong-and-a-half.
The two-year-old colt headed narrowly soon after entering straight and then travelled strongly to regain advantage with two furlongs to go. He lost advantage after another half-furlong but went right and rallied to pull clear in the final furlong, easing up near the line. Today, Rio Tinto makes his second appearance for Godolphin when he lines up in the 10-furlong Maiden Stakes at Sandown Park. Al Zarooni was seventh in his first outing, a 10-furlong Newmarket turf maiden race last month. Feather Falls, in the meantime, makes her first outing in the Maiden Fillies' Stake at Leicester, England. At the same venue, Sahafhalso makes her debut for al Zarooni. * Agencies
