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| Staff Writer |
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The Ras Umm Hasah Cup delivered a pulsating finish at Al Uqda Racecourse as Sun Amer demonstrated remarkable resilience to claim victory in Saturday's feature. Trained by Rashid Mohammed Alathba and partnered by Soufiane Saadi, the 6YO son of Amer tracked the early pace before producing a decisive late surge.
Shgarde set strong fractions from the outset, with Posuelo Py and Ilasad in close attendance. Sun Amer settled perfectly behind the leading trio before launching his challenge in the home straight. Despite intense pressure, he found extra reserves to secure a neck victory. Mared Al Jasra, representing Al Ghazali Stud and trainer Gassim Ghazali, claimed second under Fayos Martin Borja, while stablemate Tareq finished three lengths adrift in third with Marco Casamento aboard.
Abdullah Saeed Abdullah Al Mesnad's Hadlan dominated the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap from the front. The Wasim Al Sahn-trained 6YO, ridden by Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi, never looked in danger, beating Ezzat Nafs by one and a half lengths, with Hardan a further two and three-quarter lengths back in third.
The day witnessed another commanding performance as Wathnan Racing's Wafei extended his unbeaten Qatar record in the Thoroughbred Handicap. Trained by Alban de Mieulle, the American Pharoah gelding tracked early leaders Killearn and Foehn, while Cloak And Dagger threatened briefly. Wafei powered clear under Saadi to score by five lengths from Thunder Flow, with One Nation finishing a close third.
Valiant Knight provided H.E. Mansoor Bin Ebrahim S I Al-Mahmoud and trainer Ghazali with success in a thrilling Thoroughbred Graduation Plate. The 3YO Ghaiyyath colt, under Casamento, prevailed in a head-bobbing finish with Morning Vietnam. Sir Palamedes, who set the early pace, held third, while Weissmuller made late progress along the rail without reaching the places.
Deauville impressed in the Local Purebred Arabian Novice Plate for Umm Al Shukhut Farm and trainer Mohamed Khaled Elahmed. After tracking early leader Maysoon Al Shahania, the 4YO surged clear under Borja to win by 2¼ lengths. Za'eer Al Shahania claimed second, with Kanz Al Adeed a neck away in third.
Salem Fadgam Al Hajri's Abr Al Bahr secured a dramatic victory in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap. The 6YO, trained by the owner, found a decisive late burst under Al-Otaibi to deny Neshan and Achika in the closing strides. Saryah Almeydan completed the field in fourth.
The day began with Saigon Dream breaking his maiden for Alghazali Motors Racing and trainer Mohammed Ghazali. The Oasis Dream gelding, partnered by Szczepan Mazur, tracked early leader Emerald Eclipse before asserting in the final furlong to score by two lengths from Bluey's Boy, with Emerald Eclipse holding third.
Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, was on hand to present the trophies throughout an afternoon that showcased the depth of both Arabian and Thoroughbred talent in Qatar racing.
The seven-race card highlighted the continuing development of Qatar's racing programme, with strong performances from both established stars and emerging talents across both breeds. The mixture of dominant displays and tight finishes demonstrated the competitive nature of racing at Al Uqda, with several winners marking themselves as horses to follow through the remainder of the season.