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| Staff Writer |
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Just weeks ago, Harb, owned by Al Rabban Racing, claimed victory in the prestigious HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, a Grade one race for Local Thoroughbreds covering 1750 meters. Despite a fourth-place finish in the Al Rayyan Breeders Cup over 2000 meters last week, Harb returned to form on 24th February. He triumphed in the Al Uqda Local Thoroughbred Trophy, a 1400-meter Grade Two open race for horses aged 4 years and older.
Trainer Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki and jockey Tomas Lukasek guided him to victory, securing Lukasek's double win for the day after also winning the opener.
The 5YO bay gelding surged ahead in the final moments to claim victory in the main event of the seven-race card at Al Uqda, crossing the finish line with a length to spare.
Breaking swiftly from barrier 4, the son of Time Test assumed the lead shortly after the race began. However, Khalifa bin Sheail l Kuwari’s Al Nasr Al Washeek and Abdulatif Hussain M Z Al-Emadi’s Alwaad quickly joined the frontrunners. Yet, just before the first bend, Al Jeryan Stud’s Al Buraq, ridden vigorously by Szczepan Mazur, surged from the widest barrier to seize and maintain the lead.
Meanwhile, the eventual winner patiently bided its time towards the back of the pack as jockey Tomas Lukasek waited for the opportune moment to make a decisive move. As the race progressed, Al Buraq and Al Nasr Al Washeek continued their duel at the front. Approaching the home stretch, it seemed like Al Buraq might secure a win for trainer M.H.K Al Attiyah. However, Marco Casamento urged Al Nasr Al Washeek for more, and the 5YO gelding responded, drawing level with Al Buraq.
In a stunning turn of events, Harb showcased a remarkable burst of speed in the final 100 meters, closing the gap between the leading pair and ultimately seizing victory by a length in the last strides. Al Nasr Al Washeek finished second, two lengths ahead of Al Buraq.
QREC Racing Manager, Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, awarded the trophies to the deserving winners.