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| Staff Writer |
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King Shalaa won the US$500k NHC Saudi International Handicap in a close finish, securing another victory for Alban de Mieulle's Qatar-based squad in Saudi Arabia. De Mieulle is a well-known figure in the Middle East, and he had already tasted success at the 2022 Saudi Cup meeting, winning two races, including this one, where King Shalaa had finished second.
During the 2100m turf event, Silawi, a stablemate of King Shalaa, was leading for most of the race. Jockey Mickael Barzalona looked confident and had more to give as the field turned for home. However, Silawi's stamina began to wane as the race progressed, and Faleh Bughanaim's mount, who had been settled in midfield, surged forward to claim victory by a length and a quarter. My Frankel, who had finished third in 2022, was unlucky to come in second, with Silawi taking third place. King Shalaa finished the race with a time of 2:07.15.
Faleh Bughanaim, jockey of King Shalaa, said, "The trainer was very confident in the horse and told me we had a good chance today. When I ask him to go he gave me a good day. Today is one of the bigger races for me outside of Qatar."
Alban de Mieulle, trainer, "He had some back trouble. I am very happy for his breeder Francois Rohaut. He will be very happy in front of his telly. He was a good horse and is coming back to form. He had a light weight today and was in very good condition.
"We hadn't been able to run him for the last two months because of back issues. I am delighted. The other horse ran well too, but as his jockey Mickael [Barzalona] said, it might just be a bit too long for him now. He would like it a bit shorter."
"This is a big challenge and it’s very important to come here. I like a challenge anyway and it’s nice to have the challenge. I don’t think they will go to Dubai now."
Ali Al Kubaisi of Wathnan Racing: "We won the main races in Qatar and we continued in the UK with the Gold Cup and this is only the start. We are a big farm with many horses that compete anywhere. Yesterday we had a horse finish fourth in Meydan and today we have this winner. The whole team are so happy with what we can achieve."