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| Staff Writer |
The 2024-25 Qatar racing season has featured spectacular performances across its most prestigious races. From Wathnan Racing's dominance at the Qatar Derby to Szczepan Mazur's remarkable quadruple at Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle Day, culminating with Al Ghadeer's historic achievement in the Amir Sword Festival, the season has showcased world-class competition at Qatar's premier racing venues.
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Wathnan Racing's Supercooled delivered a commanding performance to claim the QA Gr.1 Qatar Derby at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club's (QREC) Al Uqda Racecourse on Friday. The son of Lope De Vega, who had narrowly won the Trial race earlier this month, returned with greater strength to secure a stunning four-length victory in the feature race.
"After narrowly winning the Trial race earlier this month, the son of Lope De Vega returned stronger, securing a stunning four-length victory in the feature race of the day," noted officials at the event. This triumph was particularly significant as it capped a remarkable day for Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle, who celebrated five wins, while jockey James Doyle completed an impressive hat-trick.
The 17th Race Meeting of the QREC featured an action-packed 10-race card with racing enthusiasts witnessing several thrilling contests. HE, Eng. Yasser bin Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Jamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, was present to crown the winners of the main event.
In another highlight of the day, Al Zeer successfully defended his title in the Gr.2 PA Qatar International Derby. The grey colt, owned by Mohammed bin Fahad AH Al Attiya and trained by Francois Rohaut, claimed the prestigious 2100m race for 4YOs. Under jockey Guillaume Guedj-Gay, Al Zeer "displayed remarkable responsiveness in the home straight, surging from mid-field to take the lead and secure a hard-fought ½-length victory." With this win, the son of Al Mamun Monlau has now established himself as a group winner.
Wathnan Racing's success continued with Rebel Diamond, who won the Al Rayyan Stakes on his Qatar debut. The talented 2YO, trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by James Doyle, claimed the 1400m contest and extended his unbeaten streak to four. The chestnut colt "demonstrated his brilliance by surging to the lead in the final stages and winning comfortably," marking a fourth win for his connections and completing a double for Doyle. Bader Mohammed Al Darwish, QREC acting CEO, presented the awards to the winners.
The Qatar National Derby for 4YO Local Purebred Arabians saw Aneed Al Shahania maintain his unbeaten record. Owned by HE, Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani and trained by Rudy Nerbonne, the grey colt excelled in the 2100m race. Under jockey Lukas Delozier, Aneed Al Shahania showcased his class, overtaking the long-time leader at the 200m mark and pulling away to secure a commanding 3¼-length victory.
One of the most dominant performances of the day came from Chdia in the Qatar 3YO Purebred Arabian Derby. The unbeaten bay filly, another success for Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle, stormed to an emphatic victory in the 1400m Group Three race. Ridden by Soufiane Saadi,Chdia delivered a dominant performance, making a devastating challenge in the home straight and pulling clear to win by impressive 6½ lengths.his victory completed a treble for the connections and a double for Saadi on the day.
In the 3YO Local Purebred Arabian Derby, Nah'aab Al Shahania triumphed in just his second career start. HH, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani's homebred son of Burning Sand, trained by Rudy Nerbonne and ridden by Lukas Delozier, "showcased remarkable determination to claim the 1400m race. The colt unleashed a late surge in the home straight, edging out Jahanara by a short head in a nail-biting finish.
Khisah, owned by Bu Thaila and trained by Alban de Mieulle, won the Local Thoroughbred Derby over 2100m. Curzon, trained by Mohamed Ghazali and ridden by Ivan Rossi, claimed the Al Rayyan Thoroughbred Handicap Cup for 2YOs. Kovanot, another success for trainer Alban de Mieulle with jockey Soufiane Saadi, won the Derby Day Thoroughbred Handicap Cup. The Local Thoroughbred Premium Maiden Cup went to Mebsam, trained by Jihad El Ahmad and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, completing a day where Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle established their credentials as a major force in Qatar racing.
Jockey Szczepan Mazur delivered a remarkable performance at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Saturday, securing four victories, including the prestigious HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle feature race. The action-packed day showcased thrilling competition across ten races, with several standout performances captivating spectators.
The highlight of the day came when Mazur guided Al Jeryan Stud's Aafoor to victory in the 2200m HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle race. The 4YO son of Qurbaan, trained by MHK Al Attiyah, demonstrated exceptional determination in the closing stages to secure the win by half a length against formidable competition.
"It was an amazing day as I won the four races on the card," said an elated Mazur after his impressive haul. The Polish jockey's tactical approach proved decisive in the feature race. "Aafoor travelled very well in the last stretch of the race. Basically, I sat behind the best horse (Haunted Dream). I followed him all the time, which was actually the best for me as it was the horse to beat, which I did at the end, and it was just the right call."
Wathnan Racing-owned and Hamad Al-Jehani-trained Haunted Dream finished second, while last year's winner, Simca Mille, also from Wathnan Racing and ridden by Maxime Guyon, took third place.
Mazur's dominance extended beyond the feature race, beginning with a commanding victory aboard Al Jeryan Stud's AJS Agadir in the Local Purebred Arabian Novice Cup for 4YO+. The 5YO mare demolished the field, winning by an impressive 8½ lengths after a powerful surge in the home straight.
Mazur's second triumph came when piloting Al Falah Stud's Phoebus to victory in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for 3YO Thoroughbreds. Despite being just the colt's third career start, a patient and precise ride from Mazur enabled Phoebus to make a striking impact on his Qatar debut.
Mazur completed his quartet of wins with Al Buraq in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Local Thoroughbreds, securing another victory for Al Jeryan Stud and trainer MHK Al Attiyah. The win represented a double for both owner and trainer, further highlighting their successful partnership with Mazur.
The penultimate race of the day saw another remarkable achievement as the champion Abbes retained the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy (Gr.3 PA) for 4YO+ Purebred Arabians for the third consecutive year. The 8YO grey horse, owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by Alban de Mieulle, secured a narrow victory with a short head over stablemate Raed.
This thrilling finish not only delivered a one-two result for both owner and trainer but also marked their fourth win of the day. For jockey James Doyle, the victory completed an impressive double following his earlier success.
James Doyle's first win came aboard Wathnan Racing's Lippo De Carrere in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for the Purebred Arabians (4YOs). The bay colt, making his Qatar debut, delivered a commanding performance that captivated racegoers. Trained by Alban de Mieulle, the son of Al Mourtajez produced a powerful finish in the home straight to overtake the leading pack and secure a comfortable victory, completing a remarkable treble for the connections.
The success of Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle continued with Ballymount Boy's victory in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy Thoroughbred Open Sprint, with Maxime Guyon in the saddle. Earlier, de Mieulle and Guyon had combined to win with RB Mary Lylah in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Purebred Arabians (4YO+).
The day's excitement was further enhanced by the traditional Al Sabiq races. Hamad Meshlesh Al Khayareen emerged as champion aboard Malzoom, followed by Abdulrahman Abdullah al-Hajri, riding Burkan Al Zaeem in second place. Rashid Mohamed Abdulla on AJS Saddam secured third, while Abdulla Hezam al-Saaq al-Marri completed the top four, riding Nasser Al Meydan.
The remaining races saw success for General Panic, trained by Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy. Meanwhile, Deauville, trained by Mohammed Khaled Elahmed and ridden by Alberto Sanna, claimed victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Cup, rounding out the day's full card of ten races.
The H.H. The Amir Sword Festival opened with great fanfare on Thursday, 13 February, as Sand Championships Day marked the beginning of the prestigious three-day equestrian celebration. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club's Al Rayyan Racecourse was beautifully decorated for the occasion, creating an impressive backdrop for the world-class racing action.
The opening day delivered on its promise of thrilling competition with eight cup races showcasing the finest sand specialists. Spectators witnessed exceptional performances across multiple divisions, including dramatic finishes and dominant displays that set a high standard for the remainder of the festival.
Al Wasmi delivered a commanding performance in the Premium Maiden Cup for 4-6YO Local Purebred Arabians, storming to an impressive victory in the opening race of H.H. The Amir Sword Festival. The Al Wasmiyah Farm-owned 4YO gelding showcased remarkable potential on just his second career start, building on his debut placing to secure a decisive four and a half length triumph.
From the outset, the 1700m race saw early positioning with "Naja'ah led from the outside while Za'al Al Shahania positioned himself prominently on the inside. The defining moment came when Al Wasmi made a sweeping move from the outside, surging past the leaders with impressive acceleration. His dominance was undeniable as heextended his lead effortlessly, leaving his rivals trailing behind and crossing the line with authority."
Al Maher produced a breathtaking performance to claim the Premium Maiden Cup for Local Thoroughbreds at H.H. The Amir Sword Festival Day 1. The Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari-owned 5YO finally converted the promising form into a spectacular victory after finishing runner-up in his previous two outings.
Under Jim Crowley's expert guidance, Al Maher demonstrated perfect tactical awareness as he tracked the early leader Nice Heart (Capitan Jack) before unleashing a devastating turn of foot approaching the final bend. The Pivotal x Macleya son's superiority was unmistakable as hequickly put daylight between himself and the rest of the field, charging home to score by a remarkable nine lengths.
The opening day of H.H. The Amir Sword Festival featured an outstanding performance in the Thoroughbred 3YO Sand Championship as Due To Dance delivered a commanding victory to claim his maiden win. Racing over 1700m on sand, the Hamad bin Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Attiya-owned colt demonstrated exceptional ability under jockey Oisin Murphy.
After patiently tracking the early pace set by Proud Samaritan and Suhail Star, Due To Dance made a decisive move approaching the final bend. Murphy guided his mount with confidence as they swept past the leaders with an eye-catching burst of acceleration. The Mohammed Ghazali-trained runner then powered clear to win by an impressive three and a half lengths, contributing to a training double on the day.
The opening day saw Munhamik demonstrate remarkable staying power to claim victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Sand Championship, while Lulwat Al Faisal produced an impressive performance to capture the Local Thoroughbred Sand Championship under Lukas Delozier.
Al Nati Up maintained his perfect 2025 record with a thrilling victory in the Purebred Arabian Sand Championship in a breathtaking finish with just a neck and two heads separating the first four finishers.
The day concluded with Dubawi Spectre delivering a determined performance in the Thoroughbred Sand Championship. With Maxime Guyon in the saddle, he found extra reserves of energy to edge ahead in the final strides, securing victory by half a length.
Amir Sword Festival - Day 2: Balzac Defends Breeders' Cup
The second day of H.H. The Amir Sword Festival featured a dominant performance by Balzac, who successfully defended his Al Rayyan Breeders’ Cup title with an impressive display of strength and stamina. The 7YO Lancelot x Baaria offspring, owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by Alban de Mieulle, proved unbeatable once again in the 2000m contest for Local Thoroughbreds.
Under jockey Soufiane Saadi, Balzac demonstrated his class with a powerful late surge that left his competitors trailing. "Balzac proved too strong in the closing stages," as he extended his advantage to secure a commanding three-length victory. Sky Blue, carrying the colours of Al Gaiah Racing and trained by Hamad Al-Jehani, completed the podium finish with Faleh Bughanaim aboard, finishing a further one and a quarter length behind the runner-up.
The second day witnessed another stellar performance as Aneed Al Shahania maintained his perfect record with a commanding victory in the Al Zubara Trophy. The 2000m contest for Local Purebred Arabians aged 4YO+ showcased the exceptional talent of this rising star owned by H.E. Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Under the expert guidance of jockey Lukas Delozier, the Azadi x Al Anga offspring "displayed his trademark finishing kick," effortlessly accelerating in the final stretch to claim his fourth consecutive win. Trained by Rudy Nerbonne, the 5YO secured victory by a comfortable one and a half lengths, "further reinforcing his standing as a leading contender among Local Purebred Arabians."
Day two featured heart-stopping action in the Purebred Arabian Sprint Cup (Listed), as Posuelo Py secured victory in one of the most dramatic finishes of the meeting. The Ibrahim Mohammed M I Al-Fadala-owned 7YO gelding, trained by Hamad Al-Jehani, "claimed victory by the narrowest of margins" under jockey Szczepan Mazur, "securing the win by a nose in a thrilling three-way photo finish."
AJS Jassas dominated the Gulf Cup with a commanding display of speed and stamina. Under jockey Szczepan Mazur, the 5YO son of AF AlBahar "unleashed a powerful late surge, storming clear in the final 400m to win by emphatic five lengths."
Kerindia (IRE) delivered a masterclass to claim back-to-back victories in the Thoroughbred Filly and Mare Oryx Cup, "powered clear in the home straight to score by four lengths" under the expert guidance of jockey Pierre Charles Boudot.
The undefeated Chdia maintained her perfect record with an authoritative victory in the Purebred Arabian Filly and Mare Seada Cup. She "surged to the lead in the home straight and pulled clear to win by three and a half lengths" under jockey Soufiane Saadi.
AJS Agadir secured victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Filly and Mare Al Na'ama Cup, displayed a remarkable turn of foot to seize the lead and maintain it, crossing the line two and a quarter length ahead under jockey Szczepan Mazur.
Al Shomos claimed victory in the Local Thoroughbred Filly and Mare Desert Rose Cup in a thrilling photo finish, prevailing "by the slimmest of margins" after a gripping duel to the line with Faleh Bughanaim aboard.
Lippo De Carrere maintained his perfect Qatar record with a commanding display in the Purebred Arabian Cup, while Greer delivered a perfectly-timed late charge to claim victory in the Thoroughbred Open Sprint Cup, unleashing an impressive late charge, quickening in the final strides to snatch victory.
Al Ghadeer etched his name in racing history with a magnificent performance to claim the H.H. The Amir Sword for the second consecutive year, achieving an unprecedented milestone in Purebred Arabian racing. The Al Shaqab Racing-owned champion, trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden with tactical brilliance by Christophe Soumillon, demonstrated his exceptional class in Qatar's most prestigious contest for Purebred Arabians.
"There are champions and then there is Al Ghadeer (Al Mourtajez x Gharraa)—a horse whose name is now etched among the immortals," as he secured not only back-to-back victories in this Group One contest but also completed "an unprecedented Doha Triple Crown double in the process," cementing his status as one of the greatest Purebred Arabians of his generation.
The race unfolded with strategic positioning as "Afjan (TM Fred Texas) setting the early tempo, while Al Ghadeer settled in mid-division." The decisive move came as the field approached the final bend, where "Soumillon urged his mount forward, and Al Ghadeer responded in style—hitting the front as they straightened for home."
The closing stages featured a determined challenge from "Al Doha (Al Mourtajez) in the final strides," but the defending champion "found another gear, storming to the line in emphatic fashion" to secure victory by one and a half lengths. This historic triumph confirms Al Ghadeer's status as "the undisputed king of Purebred Arabian racing."
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Rebel's Romance delivered a commanding performance to successfully defend his title in the prestigious H.H. The Amir Trophy at the 2025 H.H. The Amir Sword Festival, reinforcing his status as one of the world's premier Thoroughbreds. The Godolphin standard-bearer, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden with tactical brilliance by William Buick, showcased both his class and determination in this 2300m Group One contest.
"Godolphin's Rebel's Romance (Dubawi x Minidress) cemented his dominance in Qatar's most prestigious Thoroughbred race, successfully defending his title in the Gr.1 H.H. The Amir Trophy for 4YO+ over 2300m," confirming his exceptional ability on the international stage.
The race unfolded with strategic precision as "Buick sent Rebel's Romance straight to the lead, setting a controlled pace with Simca Mille (Tamayuz) in close pursuit." Despite facing a serious threat from The Foxes, "the defending champion dug deep, refusing to be headed and crossing the line with a length to spare." With back-to-back victories, Rebel's Romance continues to affirm his status as a top-class performer on the global stage.
Bianca De Ghazal delivered a captivating performance to secure the H.H. The Amir Silver Sword, cementing her status as one of the most promising talents in Purebred Arabian racing. The grey filly, expertly ridden by Jim Crowley, showcased an exceptional ability to claim this important 2100m contest for 4YOs.
"Bianca De Ghazal (Al Mourtajez x Brin D'Amour De Gazal) confirmed her immense potential with a stunning victory in the H.H. The Amir Silver Sword for 4YO Purebred Arabians over 2100m," demonstrating why she's considered "a star in the making" in just her third career start.
As the field approached the crucial final stages, Bianca De Ghazal produced her winning move with perfect timing. "As the field turned for home, Bianca De Ghazal made her move in emphatic fashion, surging forward from the outside with a devastating late sweep to overtake the leaders and power to victory," securing a decisive one-length advantage at the finish.
Aafoor delivered a commanding performance to claim the H.H. The Amir Shalfa, securing his second consecutive triumph in impressive fashion. The Al Jeryan Stud-owned colt, expertly ridden by Pierre Charles Boudot, demonstrated both patience and class to overcome a competitive field in this 2100m Thoroughbred Open Handicap.
When the decisive moment arrived, "Boudot gradually brought Aafoor into contention, unleashing a powerful turn of foot to surge past his rivals and win by a length." This well-timed move showcased both the jockey's expertise and the horse's impressive finishing ability in a performance that suggests there may be more significant wins ahead.
In the Gr.2 Al Rayyan Mile, Al Qudra produced a commanding performance, controlling the race from start to finish. The Godolphin-owned colt, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, burst from the gate and "maintained a strong position throughout the race."
"As they approached the final stretch, Al Qudra extended his lead, effortlessly pulling clear to seal an impressive victory" by two and a half lengths for Godolphin, completing a big-race double on the day for the Appleby-Buick combination.
Rogue Lightning delivered an exceptional performance to claim the Gr.3 Dukhan Sprint, making an unforgettable Qatar debut. The Wathnan Racing-owned gelding, expertly ridden by Mickael Barzalona, demonstrated why he's a rising star in the sprinting world with a perfectly timed victory for trainer Tom Clover.
"In an explosive Qatar debut, Rogue Lightning (Kodiac x Field Of Stars), owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by Tom Clover, showcased his blistering speed and tactical brilliance to win the Gr.3 Dukhan Sprint, a 3YO+ Thoroughbred race over 1200m," as the 5YO announced himself on the Qatari racing scene.
Despite the fierce challenge from Washington Heights, "Rogue Lightning held on gamely, securing the victory" by a length, demonstrating both speed and determination.
Al Wakrah captured the Qatar International Cup with a breathtaking performance. The Al Shaqab Racing-owned mare, ridden masterfully by Olivier d'Andigne, powered through the field to secure a memorable triumph for trainer Jean de Mieulle.
"In a stunning display of class, Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas x Majida), owned by Al Shaqab Racing, triumphed in the Gr.1 Qatar International Cup, a 4YO+ Purebred Arabian race over 1400m, marking her return to winning ways in style."
When it mattered most, Al Wakrah "showed her true grit, improving in the home stretch to take command and power to the front," completing a remarkable one-two finish for Al Shaqab Racing with Luwsail securing second place under Faleh Bughanaim.
General Panic delivered a commanding performance to claim the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup on the final day of the prestigious H.H. The Amir Sword Festival 2025 at Al Rayyan Racecourse. The 6YO son of Outstrip, trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al-Malki and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, secured his second consecutive triumph in the Grade Two race with a powerful late surge.
When they rounded the final bend, "General Panic surged past the front-runners with authority, stretching his advantage to win with plenty in hand," demonstrating exceptional turn of foot as he pulled away to secure victory by two and a quarter length for owner Mohammed Abdulhadi S Al-Hajri.
Point Lynas, ridden by Callum Rodriguez for trainer Edward Bethell, "had to settle for second, unable to match the winner's decisive turn of foot." The Wathnan Racing-owned Make Me King, with James Doyle aboard for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani, finished third, three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up.
H.H.The Amir Sword Festival concluded with an elegant trophy presentation ceremony under the patronage and in the presence of HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The most prestigious award, His Highness's Gold Sword and the Doha Triple Crown, was presented to HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, celebrating Al Shaqab Racing's remarkable achievement with Al Ghadeer's historic victory.
The ceremony also honoured traditional horsemanship, with HH the Amir presenting trophies to the top riders in the Al Sabiq races, completing what was a magnificent conclusion to Qatar's premier horse racing festival.