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| Staff Writer |
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Wathnan Racing, trainer Alban de Mieulle, and jockey James Doyle had a remarkable day at the QREC Al Rayyan Racecourse on 4th April 2024, winning four out of the eight races. Following their victories in the feature races, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HE Sheikh Al Qaqa bin Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received the Qatar Gold Sword and Qatar Gold Trophy from HE Issa bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, QREC Chairman.
Additionally, during the trophy presentation ceremony, the winning riders of the Al Sabiq Championship, namely Mohammed Fahad Al Khayareen Al Hajri, Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Ojaan Al Khayareen, Salem Salem Al Marri, and Rashid Mohammed Ali Abdulla were crowned by HE Issa bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, QREC Chairman.
Abbes secured a historic third consecutive victory in the Gr.1 PA Qatar Gold Sword, marking another triumphant moment for Wathnan Racing, Alban de Mieulle, and James Doyle. The 7YO horse secured his fourth win of the day by displaying an impressive burst of speed in the final 200 meters of the 2000-meter race for 4-YOs and above Purebred Arabians, winning by three-quarters of a length. Second place went to Dawi, owned by HE Sheikha Iman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani and trained by Rudy Nerbonne, ridden by Tomas Lukasek. Methgal, owned by H.E. Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani and also trained by Rudy Nerbonne, secured third place under jockey Maxime Guyon.
Bolthole triumphed in the QA Gr.1 Qatar Gold Trophy, securing the third victory of the evening for owner Wathnan Racing, trainer Alban de Mieulle, and jockey James Doyle. The 5YO horse made a remarkable surge in the straight, overtaking the leaders with an impressive display of acceleration to win by over two lengths in the 2200-meter race for 4YOs and above Thoroughbreds. Second place also went to Wathnan Racing's Haunted Dream, trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and ridden by Theo Bachelot. King Pacha, owned by Khalifa Bin Sheail KH J Al Kuwari and trained by Julian Smart, finished third under jockey Alberto Sanna.
Al Shaqab Racing's Lafan secured victory in the Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Cup, winning by three-quarters of a length in the 1600-meter contest for 4YOs under trainer Jean de Mieulle and jockey Valentin Seguy.
Wathnan Racing's Equinoxe showcased his dominance by clinching the Local Thoroughbred Cup for the fourth consecutive year. The 7YO, trained by Alban de Mieulle, stormed to victory in the 1850-meter race for 4YOs and above, winning by three and a half lengths under jockey James Doyle.
Taxiwala, owned and trained by Osama Omer Al Dafea, retained the Sealine Sprint Trophy for the fourth consecutive year, winning the 1200-meter open race for 4YOs and above Thoroughbreds by a length and a half under jockey Maxime Guyon.
Aafoor, owned by Al Jeryan Stud, secured a valuable victory in the Al Wajba Trophy, winning the 1850-meter contest for 3YO Thoroughbreds under trainer M.H.K Al Attiyah and jockey Szczepan Mazur.
Bakir, representing Wathnan Racing, bounced back to winning ways by securing the Qatar Silver Trophy under the guidance of trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey James Doyle in the 1600-meter race for 4YO Local Purebred Arabians.
AJS Lattam retained the Qatar Silver Sword for Al Jeryan Stud for the second consecutive year, winning the 1850-meter race for 4YO Purebred Arabians under trainer M.H.K Al Attiyah and jockey Szczepan Mazur.
Throughout the event, various dignitaries presented the trophies to the deserving winners, marking a celebration of excellence and achievement in the realm of horse racing.