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| Staff Writer |
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Al Warkah demonstrated remarkable finishing power to claim the Ras Rokn Island Cup in dramatic fashion at Al Uqda on Thursday, providing Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki with a noteworthy success in the 2000m Local Thoroughbred contest.
The 6YO mare, owned and bred by Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, powered past long-time leader Suheal Qatar in the closing stages under a masterful ride from Arnaud De Lepine, who was completing a double on the card.
Earlier proceedings saw Mystical Music, representing owner Nasser Saeed M S Al Eida and trained by Jassim Ghazali, dominate the Thoroughbred Handicap under Youssef Lachhab. The latter went on to partner Toward The Sun to victory for handler Hadi Al Ramzani.
Notable performances came from Taymoor Al Shahania, trained by Mohamed Khaled Elahmed, while Wonder Smile impressed for Rashid Al Jehani. Duphor Bu Thaila secured success for Fahad Rashid Al Khayarin, before Alnood completed the card with victory for Julian Smart.
QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi was on hand to present the trophy to the winning connections.
"It was a tremendous performance from Al Warkah, showing real determination in those crucial final moments," remarked Al Malki after the race. "The mare responded brilliantly when asked for her effort and we couldn't be more pleased with this result."