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| Staff Writer |
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Mared Al Jasra produced a perfectly-timed challenge to clinch the Al Beshariyah Cup, headlining the opening day of Qatar's 2024/25 racing season at Al Rayyan Racecourse's dirt track.
Maiden breaker The 4YO colt, trained by Gassim Ghazali, demonstrated impressive acceleration in the 1,900m contest for purebred Arabian maidens. Under a patient ride from Alberto Sanna, Mared Al Jasra swept past the front-running Nafjah in the final 400m, pulling clear to score by a length and three quarters.
The Al Shaqab Racing-owned Nafjah, trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by Faleh Bughanaim, held second, while Zidane, representing Injaaz Stud and trainer Jihad El Ahmad, finished two and a quarter lengths back in third under Soufiane Saadi.
Al-Jehani's four-timer The day belonged to trainer Hamad Al-Jehani, who dominated proceedings with four winners across the eight-race card. His success story began with John Steed, who maintained his winning streak in the 1,200m Thoroughbred Handicap under Bauyrzhan Murzabayev.
Al-Jehani's charge continued as Texas Storm CS bolted up by seven and a half lengths in the Purebred Arabian Handicap, followed by a nose victory for 9YO Shaweesh in the Local Purebred Arabian sprint. The trainer's quartet was completed when Local Law powered to a four-and-a-quarter length victory in the closing Thoroughbred Handicap.
Notable performances Sydney Mews, representing the Ghazali stable, made an impressive seasonal debut in the Thoroughbred Novice Plate. The 4YO filly, partnered by Sanna, showcased electric acceleration to score by five lengths.
The Hadi Al Ramzani-trained Akmar demonstrated tenacity in the 1,700m Purebred Arabian Handicap, holding off Khaled Al Shahania by a neck in a thrilling finish.
Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, was on hand to present the trophies to the winning connections throughout the card.