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| Staff Writer |
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Al Sij Al Sakab delivered a commanding performance to land the coveted Founder The Late Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani Trophy at Al Uqda Racecourse on Saturday. The 6YO, trained by Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya, showed tremendous resilience under Alberto Sanna to secure a half-length victory in the 1400m contest for local Purebred Arabians.
Taking control early, the son of T M Fred Texas settled behind early pacesetter Hadlan before unleashing a decisive move in the straight. Al Shaqab Racing's Al Mirage, under Christophe Soumillon, mounted a strong challenge but couldn't quite reel in the winner, while AJS Saaeq finished a further half-length away in third.
The Gr.2 Qatar National Day Trophy finally fell to Jabalah after near misses in the previous two renewals. The 8YO, representing Wathnan Racing, powered home under James Doyle to secure a length and a quarter victory in the 2100m contest.
Settling mid-field early, Jabalah produced a devastating turn of foot in the final furlong to surge past his rivals. Julian Smart-trained Moshrif claimed second under Gavin Matt Ryan, while Nabucco Al Maury finished half a length away in third.
Haunted Dream successfully defended his crown in the Qatar Arabian Group Three Al Safliya Cup, providing Wathnan Racing with another notable success. The 5YO gelding, trained by Hamad Al-Jehani, dominated the 2300m contest under James Doyle, winning by 2¾ lengths from Captain Winters.
The previous year's winner showed similar dominance, adding to his growing reputation as one of Qatar's leading stayers. Alban de Mieulle's Bolthole finished a neck away in third, completing a remarkable day for Wathnan Racing.
Dark Trooper continued Wathnan Racing's dominant day by claiming the Al Busayyir Cup. The 4YO gelding, trained by Alban de Mieulle, proved too strong in the 1400m conditions race, winning by 1¾ lengths under James Doyle.
The meeting also saw Taxiwala regain his Falcon Cup crown, having previously won the race in 2022. The Holy Roman Emperor gelding, trained by Osama Omer Al-Dafea, remained unbeaten this season with a three-quarter length victory under Soufiane Saadi.
In the supporting races, Shgarde impressed in the Purebred Arabian Conditions race, while Hemian returned to winning ways in the handicap for Al Shaqab Racing. The day concluded with Ihtijaj making a winning Qatar debut in the maiden plate.
The prestigious event, commemorating Qatar National Day and the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad bin Thani, featured H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth, who presented the trophies to the winning connections.