Good start for Supple and Mullen

Willie Supple and Richard Mullen were both among the winners as the new UAE season got under way at Nad Al Sheba.

The former combined with Doug Watson to land the first thoroughbred race of the season, a six-furlong maiden, with Portland Coup.

Having his first start for the trainer, the winner was never far off the pace and ran on strongly to the line to land the spoils.

Watson said: “It is nice to get off the mark so quickly. The horse had worked well so I was hopeful.

"He could progress from that.”

Supple and Watson also teamed up to win the concluding 10-furlong handicap with Secret Plot, who lost his maiden tag at the 12th attempt.

The nine-furlong handicap was won in great style by Mazin Al Kurdi’s Burgundian, who made every yard of the running under Mullen.

A three-year-old son of Red Ransom, he has now won two of his four starts and looks progressive.

Mullen said: “I knew he was my best chance on the night as he is a nice horse. That was an impressive effort from the front.

“He had been showing up well at home and is progressing nicely.”

Trainer and jockey doubled up in the following 1100m handicap with Northern Rock, who was always prominent and never looked like being caught inside the final furlong, though Ryan Moore on Doctor Hilary was closing fast at the line.

Mullen added: “I was amazed he travelled so well as he is better over further. It has been a great start to the season.”