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| Staff Writer |
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The 31st edition of the His Highness the President of the UAE Cup series for Purebred Arabians commenced with fervour at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, witnessing a thrilling 1-2 finish for the stable of Thomas Fourcy.
In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Al Doha, a five-year-old mare adorned in the colours of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, surged ahead to claim victory under the guidance of jockey Michael Barzalona. Engaging in a captivating duel with stablemate Moshrif, ridden by the talented Maxime Guyon, Al Doha crossed the finish line just three-quarters-of-a-length ahead, clinching a well-deserved triumph.
Helal Al Alawi's RB Kingmaker, with Cristian Demuro aboard, showcased a commendable performance to secure third place. Reflecting on the impressive start to the series, Thomas Fourcy expressed his delight, emphasising Al Doha's gradual return to top form.
"On paper, this isn't a surprise. But she always takes some time to return to her best form. This is only her second victory in a Group One, even though she has already beaten magnificent horses," Fourcy remarked.
He further highlighted Al Doha's noteworthy performance during the winter season in Doha, where she exhibited resilience against formidable opponents. "Today, the track was less fast, and the competition was within her reach. I was only really concerned about my other trainee, Moshrif. All options are open for the rest of the season. I am pleased to bring another Group One win to the record for Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani's mare," Fourcy added.
Meanwhile, Helal Al Alawi expressed satisfaction with RB Kingmaker's performance, noting the horse's rebound from a subdued run on World Cup night.
"He ran well. In the Dubai Kahayla Classic, he did not like the dirt. He needs to race to reach his peak form. We will discuss what comes next together. There are two options: either a break or training with Élisabeth Bernard," Al Alawi commented.
The His Highness the President of the UAE Cup series, endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Head of the Presidential Office, serves as a testament to the commitment to promoting Arabian horse breeding and heritage preservation on a global scale.