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| Staff Writer |
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Lemon Ginger produced a scintillating display of front-running to dominate the Al Thakira Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday, marking himself as a potential star for the future.
The 4YO son of Bobby's Kitten, trained by Debbie Mountain, showcased exceptional talent in the Local Thoroughbred Premium Maiden over 1700m on sand, storming clear under Arnaud De Lepine to win by a commanding 13 lengths.
Settling behind early pacesetter S K Azam, Lemon Ginger made smooth progress around the final bend before unleashing a devastating turn of foot that left his rivals toiling in his wake. Awaayid, representing trainer Zuhair Mohsen, claimed second place, with S K Azam holding on for third, a quarter-length further back.
Earlier on the card, Al Mustafiz broke his maiden tag in style for owner Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari in the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate. The Julian Smart-trained runner, partnered by Gavin Matt Ryan, pulled clear by four and a half lengths over the 1900m trip.
Taymoor Al Shahania displayed impressive resilience in the Purebred Arabian Handicap, securing victory by a neck under Soufiane Saadi for trainer Mohamed Khaled Elahmed. The three-year-old demonstrated notable progression, suggesting there could be more to come.
The day featured a riding double for Lukas Delozier, who guided Galeb Al Shahania to victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Novice Plate before partnering Tafawok to an emphatic five-and-a-quarter-length success in the Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate.
Blazing Sunset maintained his perfect record this season with a polished performance in the Thoroughbred Handicap, while the progressive Haya rounded off proceedings with an impressive display in the Thoroughbred Conditions race, powering clear under Alberto Sanna for trainer Gassim Ghazali.
The Al Thakira Cup, a relatively new addition to the Qatar racing calendar, continues to grow in stature, with this year's renewal showcasing emerging talent across both Thoroughbred and Arabian divisions. The presentation ceremony was conducted by Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, who presented the trophies to the winning connections.