Al Ain: Champion Jockey Richard Mullen was the man to follow at Al Ain on Saturday evening, riding a treble, including landing the featured 1000m handicap, the final race of seven, on Extra Hope.

Sporting the colours of the ever popular Ali Haddad, Mullen was content to take a lead from Joori until just past halfway when he sent his willing mount for home.

She responded well, soon putting daylight between herself and nine toiling rivals, adding to her course and distance victory in November, her first career success, which she followed with a 1200m win at Abu Dhabi.

She then probably failed to stay 1400m, also on the turf in the capital, but still ran well in third. She is trained by Satish Seemar, who said: “The only time she has been beaten this season was over 1400m and we only ran here then because there were no sprint options; she is a sprinter, 1000m or 1200m are her trips.

“We are delighted for Ali Haddad who deserves all the success he enjoys as a very enthusiastic and loyal owner in local racing.”

Mullen added: “It has been a good evening and I have been lucky to ride winners for three of my biggest supporters which is ideal.”

Jockey and trainer had already combined to win the only Thoroughbred race, a 1400m handicap, with the impressive Sky Jockey. Never far off the pace, and ridden confidently, he quickened to the front in style 300m out and was never going to be caught.

Seemar said: “This horse does not like to be crowded in his races so this track is ideal and the field was well spaced out which suited him.

“His last win was last April in China, on turf, and he has also won at Jebel Ali and Meydan on dirt, so the ability and versatility are there.

“Richard gave him a great ride, keeping him out of any kickback and we will look for something over 1400m or 1600m and he will then go back to China again.”

Mullen agreed and said: “He had never been here before so we thought a change of scenery might do the trick as he had been running a bit flat at Jebel Ali and Meydan. It has really suited him out, especially the long wide straight. He is a decent horse but can just be a bit quirky.”

MD Sterling Silver was the middle leg of Mullen’s treble, in doing so denying weighing room colleague Pat Cosgrave and trainer Helal Al Alawi a third winner apiece on the card.

That had looked on the cards for a long way in the 2000m handicap when Cosgrave and Boss Des Vialettes went clear about 400m out but they were unable to thwart the challenge of MD Sterling Silver in the final 100m.

Trained by Jaci Wickham, the winner was registering a fourth career success but first, at the 22ndattempt, here in the UAE.