 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Al Shaqab Racing celebrated a memorable double at Al Uqda Racecourse on Thursday, landing both the H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy and the Gr.2 Cup on a star-studded card in Qatar.
Al Mirage, representing the powerful Al Shaqab operation, clinched a pulsating victory in the H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy. The 7YO, trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by Faleh Bughanaim, demonstrated tremendous courage in a blanket finish over the 1400m course.
In a heart-stopping conclusion, Al Mirage prevailed by a nose from Wathnan Racing's Arman, with James Doyle aboard for trainer Alban de Mieulle. Al Jeryan Stud's AJS Saaeq, trained by M.H.K Al Attiyah and partnered by Szczepan Mazur, finished a short head away in third.
The Gr.2 H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup provided another highlight for Al Shaqab as Al Wakrah delivered a commanding performance. The 7YO mare, completing a quick-fire double for trainer Jean de Mieulle, surged clear under Olivier d'Andigne to score by two lengths.
Wathnan Racing's Jabalah claimed second under James Doyle, while Hargan, representing H.E. Sheikha Iman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani and trained by Rudy Nerbonne, took third under Lukas Delozier.
The Group Three Majd Al Arab Sprinter Championship saw Ilasad strike for owner Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Abdulla Al-Attiya. The 6YO, trained by Ahmed Kobeissi and ridden by Alberto Sanna, powered to a 1½-length success over Posuelo Py, with Zamer finishing third.
Time Form Syndicate's Hamas La Gloire made a stunning debut in the Silver Cup, prevailing by ¾ length under Soufiane Saadi for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. Lanvin De Faust and Ajlaan filled the minor placings.
In the Thoroughbred ranks, Wathnan Racing's Bolthole successfully defended his Umm Qarn Trophy crown, while Al Rabban Racing's homebred Harb maintained his unbeaten record this term in the French King Cup.
The Yasmeen Cup produced another thrilling finish as Nibras Racing Syndicate's Garden Route edged out Gold Fleece and Just Bring It in a photo finish, giving trainer Abdulla Al-Mulla and jockey Ivan Rossi a memorable success.
Al Jeryan Stud enjoyed a productive afternoon, with Karakoul landing the Charm Spirit Cup before stablemate Surfers Paradise dominated the Very Nice Name Cup by four lengths, both trained by M.H.K Al Attiyah and ridden by Szczepan Mazur.
The nine-race card showcased Qatar's growing prominence in international racing, with the success of Al Shaqab Racing particularly noteworthy as they secured the two feature events on an afternoon of high-class action at Al Uqda.