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| Sumita Pawar |
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The Al Rayyan Racecourse recently hosted a thrilling race meeting on Wednesday, 17th April 2024. The highlight of the event was the Al Mafiar Cup, a Group Two Conditions for 4YO+ Local Purebred Arabian, which saw jockey Arnaud De Lepine steer the Ahmed Kobeissi-trained Afandem to victory. The bay horse outdid the Sabhea Awad Ibrahim-owned and Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed-trained Suka'ar by a neck in the 1200m sprint. Abdullah Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winners. The Abdullah Bin Saeed Abdullah Al-Mesnad-owned and Wasim Al Sahn-trained Hadlan completed the frame in third.
In the 1700m Gr.6 Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate for 4-6YOs, the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned Galeb Al Shahania claimed victory after finishing in the top three in all his previous five starts. The 4YO colt won by four lengths and could be set for a promising campaign next season.
In the 1700m Gr.6 Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for 3YOs, trainer Ahmed Al Jehani's Pagliacci won the race by a quarter of a length, displaying an impressive attitude for jockey Saleh Salem Al-Marri.
The Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari-owned Kera De Flauzins won the 1700m Gr.5 Novice Plate for 4YO+ Purebred Arabian fillies and mares by three-quarters of a length. The 4YO filly responded well to jockey Muanis Al Siyabi's riding, charging relentlessly in the final stages of the race to clinch victory.
In the Gr.5 Thoroughbred Handicap for 3YO+, Division 1, Meraj secured victory by an impressive seven and a half lengths. Owned by Al Wasmiyah Farm, trained by Gassim Ghazali, and ridden by jockey Louis Nomis, Meraj dominated the 1100m race, demonstrating his exceptional speed and scoring his second straight victory.
The Gr.5 Local Thoroughbred Handicap (35-55) for horses aged three and older witnessed a nail-biting finish, with Mutamarrid clinching his second victory of the season over 1200 meters by a mere quarter of a length. The Injaaz Stud-owned 7YO horse was ridden by jockey Lukas Delozier and trained by Jihad El Ahmad.
Sardem won the Gr.4 Thoroughbred Handicap for horses aged three and older, covering 1200 meters with finesse. The Bader Al Balushi-trained horse, owned by Al Azraq Stable, surged ahead to claim victory by a commanding margin of one and a half lengths.
Keheilan Al Sakab won the Group Four Purebred Arabian Handicap for horses aged four and older over 1200 meters with undeniable prowess. The Bader Al Baloshi-owned and trained 6YO gelding clinched victory by an impressive margin of three lengths, completing a quick-fire double for jockey Maikon De Souza and marking his own second consecutive victory.
In the 1200m Gr.3 Thoroughbred Handicap for 3YO+ rated (70-90), Keel Bay won the race for trainer Mohammed Ghazali, completing a double in the evening for jockey Louis Nomis. The 5YO mare defeated her nearest rival by one and a half lengths.
Finally, the Triple Two Racing-owned Fifty Grand Slater won the 1100m Group Five Thoroughbred Handicap for 3YO+ rated (50-70), Div. 2, by seven lengths, giving trainer Gassim Ghazali another winner on the card.