Al Ghadeer And Giavellotto Spearhead Amir Festival Finale

Festival Finale Brings Nine Races To Doha

The curtain falls on the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival with a spectacular nine-race programme carrying US$7.7 million in total prize money. The final day brings together elite runners from Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the UAE for what promises to be one of the most compelling afternoons of racing staged in Doha this season.

Al Ghadeer, the two-time Doha Triple Crown winner trained by Francois Rohaut for Al Shaqab Racing, will be bidding for a historic third consecutive H.H. The Amir Sword triumph. The world’s highest-rated Purebred Arabian faces six rivals in the Gr.1 contest, having already landed this prize in both 2024 and 2025.

Meanwhile, Giavellotto, the Gr.1 International Stakes hero prepared by Marco Botti for Scuderia La Tesa Limited and Vaibhav Shah, tops the Thoroughbred contingent in the equally valuable Gr.1 H.H. The Amir Trophy over 2400 metres.

Trophy Attracts Top Class International Field

The Gr.1 H.H. The Amir Trophy over 2400 metres carries a purse of US$2,500,000 , with the winner collecting US$1,425,000 . Giavellotto stands out as the leading contender, arriving with career earnings of QR14.6 million and eight wins from 23 starts including that memorable Group One triumph at York. The 7YO boasts remarkable consistency, having finished in the first three on 17 occasions, and Botti has developed him into a proven performer across multiple jurisdictions and surfaces. Pierre Charles Boudot takes the ride.

Goliath, the German-bred 6YO trained by Francis-Henri Graffard for Resolute Bloodstock and Baron Philip Von Ullmann, matches the favourite on wins with eight from 18 starts and has Christophe Soumillon in the saddle, adding significant tactical value over this middle distance. Byzantine Dream, trained in Japan by Tomoyasu Sakaguchi for Kazumi Yoshida, brings remarkable career earnings of QR11 million from just 11 starts and is yet to finish out of the first two. Cristian Demuro takes the mount on the 5YO, whose relative lack of international experience remains the unknown factor.

Deep Monster, trained by Yasutoshi Ikee for DMM Dream Club Co Ltd, is the most experienced runner in the field at 27 starts and brings QR7.6 million in earnings as a durable 8YO partnered by Tom Marquand. El Cordobes represents the formidable Godolphin operation under Charlie Appleby with William Buick aboard, offering four wins and never worse than fourth in 12 career starts. Satono Glanz, owned by Hajime Satomi and trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, adds further Japanese firepower with QR6.1 million in earnings from 15 starts. Lion’s Pride, representing the John and Thady Gosden yard for A E Oppenheimer, carries the lowest earnings in the field at QR726,168 and faces a stiff assignment on figures.

Al Ghadeer Seeking Unprecedented Third Sword

The Gr.1 H.H. The Amir Sword, the third leg of the Doha Triple Crown, also carries a purse of US$2,500,000 with US$1,425,000 going to the winner. Al Ghadeer towers over the field with a staggering 14 wins from 15 starts and career earnings exceeding QR22.2 million. The two-time Qatar Arabian World Cup winner at Paris Longchamp and three-time Qatar International Stakes victor at Goodwood has recorded more than 10 Group One PA victories and was unbeaten in 10 consecutive runs including eight at the highest level through 2024. The 2025 WAHO Trophy winner, by Al Mourtajez out of Gharraa, is partnered once more by Soumillon as he bids to extend his extraordinary dominance.

HM Alchahine, trained by Helal and Tahnob Alalawi for National Stables, poses the principal threat with 11 wins from 13 starts and earnings approaching QR10 million. The 6YO finished third behind Al Ghadeer in this race last year and has since landed multiple UAE President’s Cup series victories, including the Italian leg at Rome, the German leg at Hamburg and the season finale at Abu Dhabi in December 2025. Demuro rides.

Lippo De Carrere, a 5YO trained by Alban Elie De Mieulle for Wathnan Racing, won the Gr.1 PA UAE President Cup at Doncaster on St Leger Day and was beaten only 1/2 length by Hajmah in the French Arabian Derby at Chantilly, with Maxime Guyon taking the ride. A first attempt over 2400 metres represents a significant stamina question. Haseef, prepared by Damien de Watrigant for Wathnan Racing, won the Abu Dhabi Derby over 2200 metres in December 2025 under James Doyle and has four wins from six lightly raced starts with Boudot now booked. Al Zwair, Shabbab and Samsa Al Shahania complete the line-up for Al Shaqab Racing and Al Shahania Stud respectively, though all three face a major step up in class.

Laffan Unbeaten For Arabian Silver Sword

The H.H. The Amir Silver Sword for 4YO Purebred Arabians over 2000 metres carries a purse of US$500,000, with the winner receiving US$285,000. Laffan, trained by Rohaut for Al Wasmiyah Farm, is the standout contender arriving with a perfect record of four wins from four starts and earnings of QR472,436, partnered by Guyon. Taftan, prepared by Hamad Al-Jehani for Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Jehani, brings two wins and two places from six starts under Boudot, while Alhaarith adds further Rohaut and Al Wasmiyah firepower under Soumillon. Julian Colin Smart saddles four runners in Al Fareeq, Nerci D, La Quyood and Bin Narain, with Marquand taking the mount on Nerci D. The fillies Al Fareeq, Geina, Inaya Grine and Sienne Al Maury all benefit from a 2kg sex allowance.

Chdia Brings Exceptional Strike Rate To Cup

The Gr.1 Qatar International Cup over 1600 metres for Purebred Arabians carries a purse of US$500,000, with US$285,000 to the winner. Chdia, trained by De Mieulle for Wathnan Racing, is the outstanding contender with six wins from seven starts including a Gr.3 PA Qatar 3YO Derby success by 6 1/2 lengths and a runner-up finish in the Gr.1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments at Longchamp behind Hajmah. Soumillon takes the ride. Jenkille Hipolyte, the highest earner in the field at QR1,037,075 and trained by Osama Al-Dafea, and the progressive French raider Lino, trained by Eric Dell’Ova with Ioritz Mendizabal aboard, head the opposition alongside the veteran Hargan, Mac’zoom Al Shahania, Mureb and Lueur De Faust.

Holloway Boy Leads Strong Mile Contest

The Gr.2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup over 1600 metres is worth US$500,000 and draws a quality nine-runner field headed by Holloway Boy, trained by Karl Burke for connections including Mrs E Burke. The 6YO Royal Ascot winner carries the highest earnings in the field at QR2,325,399 with Sam James retaining the ride. Make Me King, representing Hamad Al-Jehani and Wathnan Racing under Boudot, brings nine wins from 42 starts, while General Panic offers 10 wins from 43 starts for Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. Al Qudra gives Godolphin and Appleby a second runner on the card under Buick. Point Lynas arrives for Edward Bethell with Callum Rodriguez aboard, Skukuza represents Ed Dunlop under Soumillon, while the lightly raced No Retreat brings only three career starts for two wins for George Scott. Aemilianus and Mia Man complete the field.

August George Tops Three-Year-Old Mile

The Gr.2 Al Rayyan Mile Cup for 3YO Thoroughbreds carries a purse of US$400,000 and is headed by August George, trained by Gassim AlGhazali for Sh. Mohammed Salman M Al-Thani, with three wins and three places from six starts producing QR1,087,369 in earnings. Pacific Avenue adds Godolphin and Appleby strength under Buick with a 40% strike rate from limited starts, while Andab brings the international pedigree of Joseph Patrick O’Brien’s operation under Boudot for Al Shaqab Racing. Silca Blue matches August George on wins for AlGhazali, with Kamakameleon, Zoiros, Which Wolf Wins, Quarter, Reverberate and Brotherhood Of Man completing the 10-runner field.

Rogue Lightning Defends Dukhan Sprint Title

Defending champion Rogue Lightning, trained by Tom Clover for Wathnan Racing, returns for the Gr.3 Dukhan Sprint Cup over 1200 metres, which carries a purse of US$400,000. The 6YO won this race last year under Mickael Barzalona, coming from widest of all to score comfortably, with Guyon now taking over. Taxiwala, the 9YO Qatar specialist trained by Al-Dafea, brings a remarkable 21 wins from 49 starts under Boudot, while Quinault, prepared by Stuart Williams, finished third in the Gr.1 British Champions Sprint at Ascot and was third behind Rogue Lightning in this race 12 months ago. Lethal Levi arrives off a record-breaking Ayr Gold Cup victory for Burke, and Soldier’s Gold gets Soumillon aboard for De Mieulle and Wathnan Racing. The Strikin Viking completes the six-runner field.

Aafoor Standout In Shalfa Handicap Opener

The H.H. The Amir Shalfa over 2000 metres opens proceedings with a purse of US$400,000. Aafoor, trained by M.H.K Al Attiyah for Al Jeryan Stud, is the standout on earnings of nearly QR2 million with six wins and seven seconds from 22 starts under Szczepan Mazur. Basalt offers the best strike rate at 40% for AlGhazali with Guyon aboard, while Dumonet carries top weight of 60kg with Marquand engaged. Forceful Speed leads on raw wins with seven from 22 starts for Deborah Mountain, and Foehn and Thor’s Hammer are seasoned campaigners with solid place records across 39 and 31 starts respectively. Garden Route, El Chaco, Kadovar, Zauberkonig, Captain Winters, Siegen, Evergreen, Pacifiste and Hornsea Bay complete the 15-runner field.

Hamaki Heads Closing Handicap Over Trip

The Qatar International Thoroughbred Handicap Cup for horses rated 90 to 110 completes the card over 2400 metres with a purse of US$100,000. Hamaki, trained by De Mieulle for Wathnan Racing under Soumillon, tops the field with 20 top-three finishes from 32 starts and QR789,760 in earnings. Maraseem brings 14 placed efforts from 37 starts for Georges Mikhalides with Marquand taking the ride for Al Wasmiyah Farm. Fighter carries top weight of 60kg for Deborah Mountain, while Wafei represents the De Mieulle and Wathnan combination under Guyon. Local Law, Tiding, Studio City and Loose Cannon round out the eight-runner contest.

With two Gr.1 contests, each offering US$2.5 million and a supporting cast of Group Two, Group Three and high-class handicap races, the final day of the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival promises a fitting climax to Qatar’s showpiece meeting. All eyes will be on Al Ghadeer as he bids to etch his name further into the history books, while the international Thoroughbred contingent led by Giavellotto, Goliath and Byzantine Dream ensures a truly global spectacle on the final afternoon in Doha.

Gr.1 H.H. The Amir Trophy – Thoroughbred
1. Giavellotto (T: Marco Botti / J: Pierre Charles Boudot)
2. Goliath (T: Francis-Henri Graffard / J: Christophe Soumillon)
3. Byzantine Dream (T: Tomoyasu Sakaguchi / J: Cristian Demuro)
4. El Cordobes (T: Charlie Appleby / J: William Buick)
5. Deep Monster (T: Yasutoshi Ikee / J: Tom Marquand)
6. Satono Glanz (T: Yasuo Tomomichi / J: Tsubasa Sasagawa)
7. Lion’s Pride (T: John and Thady Gosden / J: Robert Havlin)

Gr.1 H.H. The Amir Sword – Purebred Arabian
1. Al Ghadeer (T: Francois Rohaut / J: Christophe Soumillon)
2. HM Alchahine (T: Helal and Tahnob Alalawi / J: Cristian Demuro)
3. Lippo De Carrere (T: Alban Elie De Mieulle / J: Maxime Guyon)
4. Haseef (T: Damien de Watrigant / J: Pierre Charles Boudot)
5. Shabbab (T: Jean de Mieulle / J: Faleh Bughenaim)
6. Al Zwair (T: Jean de Mieulle / J: Jean-Bernard Eyquem)
7. Samsa Al Shahania (T: Rudy Andre Nerbonne / J: Lukas Delozier)

H.H. The Amir Silver Sword – 4YO Purebred Arabian
1. Laffan (T: Francois Rohaut / J: Maxime Guyon)
2. Taftan (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Pierre Charles Boudot)
3. Alhaarith (T: Francois Rohaut / J: Christophe Soumillon)
4. Al Fareeq (T: Julian Colin Smart / J: Faleh Bughenaim)
5. Nerci D (T: Julian Colin Smart / J: Tom Marquand)
6. Alzabyr (T: Mohammed AlGhazali / J: Lukas Delozier)
7. La Quyood (T: Julian Colin Smart / J: Soufiane Saadi)
8. Alsakib (T: Mohammed AlGhazali / J: Marco Casamento)
9. Inaya Grine (T: Francois Rohaut / J: Cristian Demuro)
10. Dawod (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Szczepan Mazur)
11. Geina (T: Ahmed Al Jehani / J: Adrie De Vries)
12. Al Bayyin Grine (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi)
13. Sienne Al Maury (T: Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte / J: Tomas Lukasek)
14. Mister Linsou (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Arnaud De Lepine)
15. Fath Alkhair (T: Wasim Al Sahn / J: Jefferson Smith)
16. Bin Narain (T: Julian Colin Smart / J: Maikon De Souza)

Gr.1 Qatar International Cup – Purebred Arabian
1. Chdia (T: Alban Elie De Mieulle / J: Christophe Soumillon)
2. Jenkille Hipolyte (T: Osama Al-Dafea / J: Pierre Charles Boudot)
3. Lino (T: Eric Dell’Ova / J: Ioritz Mendizabal)
4. Hargan (T: Rudy Andre Nerbonne / J: Lukas Delozier)
5. Mac’zoom Al Shahania (T: Rudy Andre Nerbonne / J: Cristian Demuro)
6. Mureb (T: Alban Elie De Mieulle / J: Soufiane Saadi)
7. Lueur De Faust (T: Julian Colin Smart / J: Tom Marquand)

Gr.2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup – Thoroughbred
1. Holloway Boy (T: Karl Burke / J: Sam James)
2. Make Me King (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Pierre Charles Boudot)
3. General Panic (T: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki / J: Tomas Lukasek)
4. Point Lynas (T: Edward Bethell / J: Callum Rodriguez)
5. Al Qudra (T: Charlie Appleby / J: William Buick)
6. Aemilianus (T: Gassim AlGhazali / J: Marco Casamento)
7. Skukuza (T: Ed Dunlop / J: Christophe Soumillon)
8. No Retreat (T: George Scott / J: Adrie De Vries)
9. Mia Man (T: Mohd Al-Sulaiti / J: Cristian Demuro)

H.H. The Amir Shalfa – Thoroughbred Handicap
1. Aafoor (T: M.H.K Al Attiyah / J: Szczepan Mazur)
2. Basalt (T: Gassim AlGhazali / J: Maxime Guyon)
3. Forceful Speed (T: Deborah Mountain / J: Faleh Bughenaim)
4. Foehn (T: Hadi Al Ramzani / J: Pierre Charles Boudot)
5. Thor’s Hammer (T: Gassim AlGhazali / J: Marco Casamento)
6. Dumonet (T: Ibrahim Al Malki / J: Tom Marquand)
7. Garden Route (T: Abdulla Al-Mulla / J: Ivan Rossi)
8. El Chaco (T: Mohd Al-Sulaiti / J: Tsubasa Sasagawa)
9. Kadovar (T: Georges Mikhalides / J: Andrew Slattery)
10. Zauberkonig (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Cristian Demuro)
11. Captain Winters (T: Khalifa Al Sawai / J: Ioritz Mendizabal)
12. Siegen (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Saleh Al-Otaibi)
13. Evergreen (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Arnaud De Lepine)
14. Pacifiste (T: Mohd Al-Sulaiti / J: Jefferson Smith)
15. Hornsea Bay (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Soufiane Saadi)

Gr.2 Al Rayyan Mile Cup – 3YO Thoroughbred
1. August George (T: Gassim AlGhazali / J: Maxime Guyon)
2. Pacific Avenue (T: Charlie Appleby / J: William Buick)
3. Andab (T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien / J: Pierre Charles Boudot)
4. Silca Blue (T: Gassim AlGhazali / J: Marco Casamento)
5. Kamakameleon (T: Hadi Al Ramzani / J: Gavin Matt Ryan)
6. Zoiros (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Szczepan Mazur)
7. Which Wolf Wins (T: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki / J: Tomas Lukasek)
8. Quarter (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Cristian Demuro)
9. Reverberate (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Jefferson Smith)
10. Brotherhood Of Man (T: Mohammed AlGhazali / J: Lukas Delozier)

Gr.3 Dukhan Sprint Cup – Thoroughbred
1. Taxiwala (T: Osama Al-Dafea / J: Pierre Charles Boudot)
2. Quinault (T: Stuart Williams / J: Marco Ghiani)
3. Rogue Lightning (T: Tom Clover / J: Maxime Guyon)
4. Lethal Levi (T: Karl Burke / J: Sam James)
5. Soldier’s Gold (T: Alban Elie De Mieulle / J: Christophe Soumillon)
6. The Strikin Viking (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Faleh Bughenaim)

Qatar International Thoroughbred Handicap Cup 90-110
1. Hamaki (T: Alban Elie De Mieulle / J: Christophe Soumillon)
2. Maraseem (T: Georges Mikhalides / J: Tom Marquand)
3. Fighter (T: Deborah Mountain / J: Jefferson Smith)
4. Wafei (T: Alban Elie De Mieulle / J: Maxime Guyon)
5. Local Law (T: Hamad Al-Jehani / J: Cristian Demuro)
6. Tiding (T: Gassim AlGhazali / J: Marco Casamento)
7. Studio City (T: Mohammed AlGhazali / J: Soufiane Saadi)
8. Loose Cannon (T: Gassim AlGhazali / J: Lukas Delozier)