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| Staff Writer |
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Dark Trooper demonstrated his class with a gutsy neck victory in the Gr.3 Barzan Cup at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday, providing James Doyle with the highlight of an impressive riding double.
The 4YO, trained by Alban de Mieulle, showed tremendous fighting spirit to hold off the persistent challenge of Fuwayrit in the 1400m contest. The victory marked an impressive Qatar debut for the thoroughbred, who immediately secured black-type success.
The Barzan Cup has previously showcased exceptional talent, with notable winners including Desert Force (2022) who went on to claim the Qatar Derby, and Treasured Times (2021) who later secured multiple Group Three successes in the region.
Earlier on the card, Doyle completed his double aboard Garfield Shadow in the Gr.3 Thoroughbred Guineas. The Hamad Al Jehani-trained 3YO led home a remarkable Wathnan Racing 1-2-3, finishing 1¾ lengths clear of Soldier's Gold, with Native America two lengths further back in third.
In the Purebred Arabian Guineas, Al Khbaib made a winning debut for Al Shaqab Racing. The Jean de Mieulle-trained 4YO, partnered by Faleh Bughanaim, showcased an impressive turn of foot in the final 200m to score by 1¾ lengths.
The Sheraouh Island Cup saw Dawi maintain his excellent form for H E Sheikha Iman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani. The 7YO trained by Rudy Nerbonne, made all under Tomas Lukasek to win by 2¼ lengths.
The opening race went to Pazeer, trained by Khalifa Hamed Nasser Al Sawai and ridden by Lukas Delozier, who claimed the Thoroughbred Handicap by a quarter length.
QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented the trophies to the successful connections.