Ertijaal wins in Dubai for Jim Crowley

Ertijaal has produced a blistering performance to give champion British jockey Jim Crowley his biggest winner since joining forces with Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum on the opening night of the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan.

Having his first start since finishing second to Australian sprinter Buffering in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night in March, the Ali Al Rayhi-trained six-year-old showed a devastating display of speed over five furlongs (1000m).

“He will improve a lot for the run. He was giving plenty of weight away, but it’s obviously the first time I’ve ridden him,” Crowley said.

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Although his form suggests he is best at the minimum distance, Crowley believes a step back up to six furlongs for another go at the Al Quoz should not pose too many problems.

“The thing is when he goes further he will probably find it a lot easier as there won’t be so much competition for the lead,” Crowley said.

“Wherever he goes I want to be on him.”