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Scherzo achieved a hat-trick of victories for Al Wasmiyah Farm at the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle event. Jockey Andrea Atzeni guided the 4YO to a thrilling photo-finish win in the 31st Race Meeting at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.
Trained by Georges Mikhalides, Scherzo overcame a slow start to claim victory in the Class 2 Thoroughbreds race, narrowly beating Bolthole in a neck-to-neck finish. The event, held under the patronage of Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, featured a festive atmosphere with a bumper 10-race card and various entertainment activities.
The Al Rayyan Racecourse was filled with a lively atmosphere as racing enthusiasts gathered for an exciting 10-race card featuring various entertainment activities throughout the day.
Earlier in the day, Abbes from Wathnan Racing claimed victory in the Gr. 3 HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for 4YO and above Purebred Arabians, covering 2200m and winning by an impressive four lengths. This marked a double win for trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey Mickael Barzalona.
HE Sheikh Al Qaqa bin Hamad Al Thani presented the awards to the winners of the last two races of the meeting.
Barzalona also secured a win earlier in the day by guiding Bucanero to victory in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for 4YO Purebred Arabians over 1750m, triumphing by a two-and-a-quarter length margin in the eighth race.
Additionally, Al Wakrah from Al Shaqab Racing emerged triumphant in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for 4YO and above Purebred Arabians over 1750m, achieving a clear lead of four lengths with jockey Faleh Bughanaim.
Stylish Performer, owned by Mohamed Abdulhadi Al Hajri and trained by Hamad Al Jehani, secured victory in the sixth race by a length and a quarter under jockey Hugo Besnier.
Wathnan Racing’s Equinoxe, trained by De Mieulle, secured the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for 4YO+ Local Thoroughbreds under the guidance of jockey Thomas, who claimed a double victory. Earlier in the day, Thomas also rode Zuhair Mohsen-trained Al Ehdaashari to victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Novice Cup (Far Bend).
Trainer Mohsen celebrated a double win as Classic Order, ridden by Saadi, triumphed in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for 3YO Thoroughbreds over 1500 by two lengths and a quarter. Saadi had previously guided Concorde to victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Cup.
Additionally, Maxime Guyon rode Abdulatif Hussain Al Emadi’s Come Quick to victory in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, a Thoroughbred Sprint for 3YO+ over 1200m.