Jamesie, right, sees it out well in Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
Veteran Jamesie won for the first time over seven furlongs when gamely finding plenty for Pat Smullen in the 16,000 euro handicap.
The eight-year-old, trained by David Marnane, carried top weight of 10-1 in this competitive 10-runner race. Smullen settled him in the pocket in fourth as Great Wide Open grabbed an early lead.
He was driven two furlongs out and soon improved to second. He was then ridden to head Great Wide Open a furlong out and stayed gun-barrel straight to close out the race from fast-finishing Muzuri.
There was half a length between the 11/4 joint favourite and 14/1 runner-up at the line. Great Wide Open, the other 11/4 joint favourite was a neck back in third.
Pat Smullen said: "He's a tough genuine horse and did well under that weight.
“He had been running exceptionally well in Dubai and I thought the seven furlongs would definitely suit him but he had to settle and the first furlong was about getting him to switch off. When he did he was lovely.
“Under that weight he did well to stick his neck out to the line.”
Jamesie finished third in his last three runs in six furlong handicaps at Meydan. This was his eighth career victory (five at six furlongs).
This gave Smullen a Dundalk double as he was also successful on Tilly Trotter in the opener.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
