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| Staff Writer |
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El Ghazi delivered a stunning performance to shed his maiden tag in Wednesday's feature race, the Al Gharafa Cup, at Al Uqda Racecourse. The 4YO Purebred Arabian, representing Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud's colours, demonstrated remarkable acceleration in the closing stages.
Trained by Jassim Ghazali and partnered by Marco Casamento, the son of Gazwan settled mid-division before producing a devastating turn of foot in the final 200m. The progressive colt swept past the leaders to secure a comfortable victory, completing a remarkable treble for the Ghazali-Casamento combination.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented the trophies to the connections.
The successful trainer-jockey duo had earlier struck with Dubawi Spectre in the Thoroughbred Handicap 80-105, following Townsend Manor's victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap 80-100.
Faleh Bughanaim partnered Al Nati Up, trained by Mohd Ahmed Mohd Hasan Al Sulaiti, to victory in the Purebred Arabian Handicap 70-90. The jockey later steered Mohimma, from Jean de Mieulle's yard, to success in the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate.
Abdulla Rashid Al Hajri enjoyed a double, partnering the Zuhair Mohsen-trained pair Al Nasr Al Washeek in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap 50-70 and Khatar Des Forges in the Purebred Arabian Handicap 65-85.
Youssef Lachhab guided Al Amir, trained by Alban Elie De Mieulle, to success in the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate, while Alberto Sanna steered the Hamad Al Jehani-trained Proud Samaritan to victory in the Thoroughbred Novice Plate.
The winners were celebrated during the 20th Al Rayyan Race Meeting, marking another successful day of racing at the Qatar venue.