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| Staff Writer |
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In a thrilling display of dominance at Al Uqda Racecourse, Haman spearheaded a remarkable 1-2-3 finish for trainer Rudy Nerbonne in Saturday's Lekhraib Cup, a 2200m handicap for Purebred Arabians.
The 5YO son of Mared Al Sahra, owned by H.E. Sheikha Iman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, showcased tremendous resilience under Lukas Delozier to claim victory by a short head in a pulsating finish.
Breaking sharply from the stalls, Haman secured a prime position along the rail before stablemate Fayq Al Shahania, sporting the same silks and partnered by Soufiane Saadi, took command. The complexion of the race changed dramatically at the 1100m mark when Hareeb improved to second and launched a challenge around the final bend.
As the field entered the home straight, Hareeb briefly held the advantage, but Haman found an extra gear in the closing stages. Yunus, owned by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani and piloted by Olivier d'Andigne, launched a late assault but couldn't quite reel in the winner, settling for second with Fayq Al Shahania completing the stable sweep three-quarters of a length behind.
Jahanara, representing Wathnan Racing, demonstrated her class in the Local Purebred Arabian Open Race. The Al Mamun Monlau filly, having just her second start, improved on her promising debut to score by one-and-a-half lengths over Al Ta'er.
Wathnan Racing celebrated another success when their unbeaten filly Chdia dominated the Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate. The Alban de Mieulle-trained 3YO, maintaining her perfect record after a win in France, crossed the line three-and-three-quarter lengths clear under Saadi.
M'tawa El Saa'yeb continued Al Shahania Stud's successful day by landing the Purebred Arabian Handicap under Alberto Sanna. The 5YO gelding, trained by Nerbonne, proved too strong for his rivals, winning by one-and-a-quarter lengths.
The card opened with Hazaa Al Shahania making a winning debut in the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate. The Mohammed Ghazali-trained gelding impressed under Faleh Bughanaim, striding clear by two-and-a-half lengths.
Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winning connections, concluding a memorable day of Arabian racing at Al Uqda.