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Chrome produced a storming late run to claim the feature Ras Mlaiji Cup on the first evening of Ramadan at Al Rayyan Racecourse in Qatar.
The 8YO gelding, owned by Abdulla Abdulmonem Mohammed Al-Ibrahim and trained by Hadi Al Ramzani, delivered a perfectly timed challenge under jockey Jefferson Smith to secure a half-length victory, completing a double on the evening for his trainer.
Early pacesetter Hardan led the field, closely pursued by Galeb Al Shahania and Soufyan Al Shahania, with Munhamik tracking in fourth but remaining within striking distance. As the runners approached the final bend, Munhamik quickened impressively and surged forward, battling with Hardan and Galeb Al Shahania in the early home straight.
Despite Munhamik's impressive turn of foot, Chrome's devastating late burst in the final 100m proved decisive. Za'eer Al Shahania also finished strongly to take second, while Munhamik settled for third, a further two and three-quarter lengths behind.
Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winning connections.
Basheer Al Shahania continued his winning streak with a commanding performance in the penultimate race, a Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate for 5YO+ over 1900m.
The 5YO, owned by H.E. Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani and trained by Rudy Nerbonne, secured his second consecutive victory under jockey Lukas Delozier, finishing two lengths clear of his nearest rival.
Mared Al Jasra set the pace in the four-runner contest, closely tracked by Basheer Al Shahania, while Tareq and Lagtaifia followed in a compact field. The order remained unchanged until the final bend where Basheer Al Shahania made his decisive move, accelerating into the lead.
In the home straight, he maintained his advantage with confidence, while Tareq finished strongly to claim second place, overtaking Mared Al Jasra, who was a further one and a half lengths behind in third.
Akmar delivered a strong performance in the fifth race, a Purebred Arabian Handicap (60-80) for 4YO+ over 1900m, securing a decisive two and a half-length victory.
Owned by Mohammed Nasser R A Al-Naimi and also trained by Hadi Al Ramzani, the French-bred runner built on his placed finished last time out and was guided to success by jockey Soufiane Saadi.
Almashahar and Nirond contested the early lead, with the latter surging ahead while the rest of the tightly bunched field remained within striking distance. Akmar gradually improved his position and made his challenge, taking command just before the final bend.
Once in the home straight, Akmar extended his advantage, proving too strong for his rivals. Duke Of Monlau and Safeer Al Shahania finished with late speed, with the latter finishing just a quarter of a length behind in third.
Nadiraha delivered a commanding performance in the fourth race, a Local Thoroughbred Handicap (40-60) for 3YO+ over 2500m, returning to the winner's circle with an emphatic eight and a quarter-length victory.
The 6YO mare, owned by Injaaz Stud and trained by Julian Smart, recorded her fourth career win under jockey Alberto Sanna.
Straight Way initially took control, but Nadiraha quickly moved forward to seize the lead. Despite setting a notably slow pace, she steadily widened the gap on her rivals and when approaching the final bend, Sanna asked for more, with the mare responding instantly.
In the home straight, Nadiraha proved untouchable, finding another gear and storming home to an impressive victory. Monya finished second while AJS Safwan was only a further quarter of a length behind in third.
Earlier on the card, Morning Vietnam secured his first victory in Qatar for owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman M Al-Thani and trainer Gassim Ghazali, while Beat The Clock delivered an extraordinary 12-length winning margin for Al Jasra Stud and trainer Mohammed Ghazali.
The opening race saw Necessitate make all for a dominant three and a quarter-length victory in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for owner Rumailah Stud and trainer Rashid Al Jehani.
Ramadan Racing Kicks Off With Dramatic Finishes At Al Rayyan
Chrome produced a storming late run to claim the feature Ras Mlaiji Cup on the first evening of Ramadan at Al Rayyan Racecourse in Qatar.
The 8YO gelding, owned by Abdulla Abdulmonem Mohammed Al-Ibrahim and trained by Hadi Al Ramzani, delivered a perfectly timed challenge under jockey Jefferson Smith to secure a half-length victory, completing a double on the evening for his trainer.
Early pacesetter Hardan led the field, closely pursued by Galeb Al Shahania and Soufyan Al Shahania, with Munhamik tracking in fourth but remaining within striking distance. As the runners approached the final bend, Munhamik quickened impressively and surged forward, battling with Hardan and Galeb Al Shahania in the early home straight.
Despite Munhamik's impressive turn of foot, Chrome's devastating late burst in the final 100m proved decisive. Za'eer Al Shahania also finished strongly to take second, while Munhamik settled for third, a further two and three-quarter lengths behind.
Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winning connections.
Basheer Al Shahania Completes Consecutive Victories
Basheer Al Shahania continued his winning streak with a commanding performance in the penultimate race, a Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate for 5YO+ over 1900m.
The 5YO, owned by H.E. Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani and trained by Rudy Nerbonne, secured his second consecutive victory under jockey Lukas Delozier, finishing two lengths clear of his nearest rival.
Mared Al Jasra set the pace in the four-runner contest, closely tracked by Basheer Al Shahania, while Tareq and Lagtaifia followed in a compact field. The order remained unchanged until the final bend where Basheer Al Shahania made his decisive move, accelerating into the lead.
In the home straight, he maintained his advantage with confidence, while Tareq finished strongly to claim second place, overtaking Mared Al Jasra, who was a further one and a half lengths behind in third.
Akmar Powers Home In Arabian Handicap
Akmar delivered a strong performance in the fifth race, a Purebred Arabian Handicap (60-80) for 4YO+ over 1900m, securing a decisive two and a half-length victory.
Owned by Mohammed Nasser R A Al-Naimi and also trained by Hadi Al Ramzani, the French-bred runner built on his placed finished last time out and was guided to success by jockey Soufiane Saadi.
Almashahar and Nirond contested the early lead, with the latter surging ahead while the rest of the tightly bunched field remained within striking distance. Akmar gradually improved his position and made his challenge, taking command just before the final bend.
Once in the home straight, Akmar extended his advantage, proving too strong for his rivals. Duke Of Monlau and Safeer Al Shahania finished with late speed, with the latter finishing just a quarter of a length behind in third.
Smart's Nadiraha Dominates Staying Contest
Nadiraha delivered a commanding performance in the fourth race, a Local Thoroughbred Handicap (40-60) for 3YO+ over 2500m, returning to the winner's circle with an emphatic eight and a quarter-length victory.
The 6YO mare, owned by Injaaz Stud and trained by Julian Smart, recorded her fourth career win under jockey Alberto Sanna.
Straight Way initially took control, but Nadiraha quickly moved forward to seize the lead. Despite setting a notably slow pace, she steadily widened the gap on her rivals and when approaching the final bend, Sanna asked for more, with the mare responding instantly.
In the home straight, Nadiraha proved untouchable, finding another gear and storming home to an impressive victory. Monya finished second while AJS Safwan was only a further quarter of a length behind in third.
Earlier on the card, Morning Vietnam secured his first victory in Qatar for owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman M Al-Thani and trainer Gassim Ghazali, while Beat The Clock delivered an extraordinary 12-length winning margin for Al Jasra Stud and trainer Mohammed Ghazali.
The opening race saw Necessitate make all for a dominant three and a quarter-length victory in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for owner Rumailah Stud and trainer Rashid Al Jehani.