Balakiref won the Jobsmine Handicap at Haydock Park Racecourse on Sunday (13 July 2008).
The nine-year-old Balakiref replicated his win in this same race last year. He seems to be quite productive in the soft conditions of Haydock Park Racecourse.
Under the direction of jockey Tom Eaves, Balakiref emerged from the shadow of the post to win the Jobsmine Handicap by a short-head over runner-up Rabbit Fighter. Rabbit Fighter actually hit the front inside the final furlong but nevertheless was not strong enough for the victor.
Eaves was earlier mounted on Striker Torres who did not manage to win in the Fiona Stringer but that did not dampen his spirits for the Jobsmine Handicap assignment with Balakiref.
Trainer Michael Dods stuck with Eaves despite the jockey putting up 1lb overweight but maybe of more significance was the fact that Paul Mulrennan put up 2lb overweight on the runner-up Rabbit Fighter.