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Hamad Al Jehani, a leading Qatari trainer, is setting up a stable in Newmarket with the backing of Wathnan Racing. Al Jehani will be based in the lower yard of Tom Clover’s Kremlin House Stables, and he will initially train a small number of horses owned by Wathnan Racing. Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock negotiated the deal.
The 35-year-old Al Jehani started with just three horses in 2013 before saddling his first winner in Qatar the following year. An accomplished showjumper who represented Qatar at national level, Al Jehani has rapidly ascended the training ranks and now has a string of 80 horses in Doha. He has already had 53 winners this season, ten clear of his nearest rival. Al Jehani finished third behind Alban de Mieulle in the Qatar Trainers Championship 2023-2024.
Al Jehani said, "I'm excited to have the chance to train in Newmarket. It’s an amazing opportunity for me to work in this historic training centre. I've been attending the sales in Newmarket for many years and have long been an admirer of the world-class facilities. I’m really looking forward to getting started."
Al Jehani has secured the services of Tommy Allen as his assistant trainer at Kremlin House. Allen has spent the past three years assisting George Boughey to train the likes of Group One winners Cachet and Via Sistina after spells with Ballylinch Stud, Tally-Ho Stud, and Willie Mullins.
Boughey said, "I'm very sorry to lose Tommy after what has been a hugely successful three years together."
Their first jockey is James Doyle, who described the appointment last autumn as an “amazing opportunity”.
Olly Tait, Wathnan Racing adviser, said, "Hamad’s had a brilliant first season training Wathnan horses in Qatar, and we're delighted to be giving him this experience. Alban de Mieulle, who also trains for Wathnan in Qatar, takes a number of horses to France in the summer and had great success with Bolthole last year. It would be wonderful if Hamad can do something similar in Newmarket."
Wathnan Racing, owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, burst onto the scene last summer with the owner’s first three runners, including Courage Mon Ami, who won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, and Gregory, who landed the Queen's Vase at the same meeting.
Sheikh Tamim is a brother of Sheikh Joaan, principal of Al Shaqab Racing and Haras de Bouquetot, while the siblings are cousins of Sheikh Fahad of Qatar Racing, who stands the likes of Zoustar and Kameko at Tweenhills Stud.