The Al Shaqab Racing owned gelding MERZAZ (Mshawish x Eden’s Moon) scored a first career success when taking a Maiden Claiming race at Gulfstream Park on Thursday, January 6th.

Trained by Ralph Nicks and ridden to success by Emisael Jaramillo, Merzaz put up an impressive performance to take the 1,600m on only his second career start, improving well on his debut fifth place at the same track back in October 2021.

Sharply away from the gates, Merzaz disputed the early lead with Ziggy (Brethren), with the pair pulling clear of the remaining five runners through the opening stages. Heading down the back straight, Ziggy was left stride on into the lead, while Merzaz travelled well in his slipstream. Rounding the home turn, Merzaz swooped around the outside of Ziggy and went clear of the field. Inside the final 400m, Merzaz was well clear of the field and went on to score comfortably. Ziggy held on to be second and Billy Yank (Union Rags) took third.

Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Merzaz is by Taylor Made Farm stallion Mshawish (Medaglia D’Oro). His dam Eden’s Moon (Malibu Moon) won three races, including the Las Virgenes Stakes (Grp 1) at Santa Anita.

Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club