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| Staff Writer |
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As the leading trainer of the 2023-2024 Qatar Horse Racing season, Hamad Al-Jehani is mounting a formidable challenge for his home country's most prestigious racing event - The H.H. The Amir Sword Festival , scheduled for February 15 at Al Rayyan Racecourse's Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), highlighted by the US$2.5 million Gr.3 H.H. The Amir Trophy. The meeting represents the pinnacle of Qatar's racing calendar and has established itself as one of the Middle East's most significant international racing events.
Fresh from capturing the HH President Cup (TB) in the UAE, the ambitious handler continues to strengthen his position at the pinnacle of Gulf racing.
"My main goal for the winter season in Qatar is to finish as the leading trainer by the number of winners. However, my focus remains on ensuring each horse reaches its full potential and performs at its best."
While Al-Jehani is still finalising his running plans for The H.H. The Amir Sword Festival , with final decisions to come after the trial day, he has assembled a powerful team of potential contenders. Leading Al-Jehani’s ambitious plans for the The H.H. The Amir Sword Festival is the talented grey gelding Haunted Dream. The son of Oasis Dream has already proven his mettle on the international stage, most notably with an eye-catching performance in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot.
"I was delighted with Haunted Dream's performance at Royal Ascot," Al-Jehani recalls with evident pride. "I was keen to put him in a listed race rather than a handicap, and finishing second was a great result." The gelding was beaten only by Shadwell's regally-bred Israr, a son of champion race mare Taghrooda, in what proved to be a significant form marker. "They were running off level weights in the Wolferton, so for Haunted Dream to finish second to him was a brilliant result."
The tough and consistent performer was a winner at the Qatar Goodwood Festival and recently claimed the Qatar-Gr.3 The Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Trophy, demonstrating his versatility across different racing jurisdictions. His adaptability to varying track conditions and racing styles has made him a flag-bearer for Al-Jehani’s operation.
Looking ahead to the festival, Al-Jehani is optimistic. "Haunted Dream will likely run in H.H. The Amir Trophy again this year. He has been a consistent, genuine horse and I have been very pleased with his recent training work. He is an especially tough horse who always tries hard. He is most comfortable being ridden handy and stays on well over the mile and a quarter."
Beyond Haunted Dream, Al-Jehani’s team boasts several accomplished performers. Make Me King, a progressive son of Dark Angel, stamped his class when landing the Gr.3 Prix Quincey at Deauville in August 2023, marking a significant milestone in Al-Jehani’s European campaign. The consistent performer has also shown his versatility by performing admirably in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, adapting seamlessly to different racing conditions.
Julica, has also proven herself a formidable competitor in Qatar racing, demonstrating the kind of versatility that Al-Jehani prizes in his string. Warming has shown promising development through the season, suggesting the best is yet to come.
The depth of Al-Jehani’s festival team reflects the handler's meticulous approach to placement, carefully choosing targets to maximise each horse's potential. This strategic planning has been evident in the stable's impressive success rate across both jurisdictions.
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Al-Jehani’s strong festival hand is the product of an innovative dual-hemisphere operation that spans Qatar and Newmarket. He has successfully established a satellite yard at the historic Kremlin House Stables, a move backed by the ambitious Wathnan Racing operation.
"Setting up a stable in Newmarket was a great learning experience," he reflects. "The Wathnan Racing team of Ali Al-Kubaisi, Ali Al-Rumaihi and Richard Brown did a great job planning the set-up to give me a solid foundation to make the season successful. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity"
What might seem a daunting challenge has been turned into a strength through careful management. "I have a strong team in place in both locations, which makes it easily manageable. I speak to my assistants daily if I am not there, Tommy Allen in Newmarket and Bilal Al-Kharraz in Qatar, both of whom are exceptional in their roles and ensure smooth operations. Effective communication is key, and with the help of videos and WhatsApp, staying connected is easy."
Attention to detail is crucial in maintaining consistency across both operations. "To maintain consistency, we use the same feed and bedding in both locations," Al-Jehani explains. "I spend the winter in Qatar and the summer in Newmarket but travel between the two countries when needed." This systematic approach ensures his horses receive the same high standard of care whether they are in Qatar or the UK.
The differences between training in Qatar and the UK have provided valuable insights for Al-Jehani, which he brings to his festival preparation. "The training in Newmarket is very different from Qatar," he explains. "Understanding all the different tracks and options available in the training ground has been a challenge. There are many gallops that suit horses differently, and I am learning which are best suited to each of my horse's needs."
While the immediate focus is on glory in Qatar and the UAE, Al-Jehani’s ambitions extend to securing a Group race victory in Britain. “It would be a dream to train a Group winner in the UK and I really hope we can do it in the 2025 season. We came very close with The Strikin Viking finishing second in the Gr.2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood last year,"he reflects. "Make Me King won the Prix Quincey (Group Three) in Deauville which was a proud moment, but to get a Group win in the UK would be a dream come true."
"I have been given an incredible opportunity by Wathnan Racing. I am extremely grateful and determined to make the most of it."
The ambitious Wathnan Racing operation has quickly established itself as a major force in international racing, with Richard Brown's astute bloodstock purchases yielding four Royal Ascot winners in 2024 alone.
As The H.H. The Amir Sword Festival approaches, the combination of Al-Jehani’s international experience, strong team, and deep understanding of both racing jurisdictions puts him in an ideal position to add to his already impressive resume. His methodical approach to training, coupled with the backing of Wathnan Racing and a talented string of horses, suggests that further success may well be within his grasp.