 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Aafoor delivered a pulsating performance to claim the prestigious HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle at QREC Al Rayyan Racecourse on Saturday, heading a ten-race card that showcased Qatar's racing excellence across both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian divisions.
Under a masterful ride from Szczepan Mazur, the YOson of Qurbaan demonstrated exceptional tenacity to secure a half-length victory in the 2200m contest for trainer M.H.K Al Attiyah. The early stages saw Al Shaman and Captain Winters establish the tempo, with James Doyle positioning Haunted Dream in fourth for Wathnan Racing and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.
Last year's winner, Simca Mille, trained by Alban de Mieulle, adopted patient tactics under Maxime Guyon towards the rear. The complexion of the race changed dramatically in the home straight as Captain Winters surged to the front, only to be overtaken by Haunted Dream who looked poised for victory with 200m remaining.
However, Aafoor's devastating turn of foot saw him engage in a fierce battle with Haunted Dream, ultimately prevailing in the closing strides. Simca Mille's late charge secured third place, finishing just a neck behind Haunted Dream in a thrilling conclusion.
The Gr.3 HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy witnessed another commanding display from Abbes, who secured an unprecedented third consecutive victory in the 2200m contest. James Doyle guided the 8YO son of TM Fred Texas to a nail-biting short-head victory, leading home a notable one-two for Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle.
Tomas Lukasek set the pace aboard stablemate Raed, with Moshrif and Molfit tracking the leaders. Afjan, carrying Al Shaqab Racing's silks, made significant late progress under Faleh Bughanaim to claim third in a blanket finish that highlighted the competitive nature of Qatar's Purebred Arabian division.
Making an eye-catching Qatar debut, Lippo De Carrere stormed to an impressive victory in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy over 1750m. The Al Mourtajez colt, representing Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle, showcased his class under James Doyle, powering clear by two and a quarter lengths from Ghara, with Ihtijaj a further one and a half lengths away in third.
RB Mary Lylah continued her meteoric rise in Qatar with another dominant display in the 1750m Purebred Arabian contest. The Alban de Mieulle-trained mare controlled proceedings from the front under Maxime Guyon, repelling all challenges to defeat Al Wakrah by one and a quarter lengths, with Jenkille Hipolyte completing the frame.
General Panic demonstrated his resilience with a determined short-head victory in the 1400m Open Race for trainer Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. Under Tomas Lukasek, the 6YO son of Outstrip fought off a sustained challenge from Dark Trooper, while Surfers Paradise finished a creditable third.
The Local Thoroughbred Trophy saw Al Buraq secure a narrow victory for Al Jeryan Stud, while promising 3YO Phoebus made a winning Qatar debut in the 1500m contest for Al Falah Stud and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.
Ballymount Boy marked his Qatar introduction with a thrilling short-head victory in the Sprint Trophy for Wathnan Racing, denying the game Taxiwala in a photo finish. The supporting card concluded with an emphatic display from AJS Agadir, who dominated the Local Purebred Arabian Novice Cup by eight and a half lengths for Al Jeryan Stud.
The day began with Deauville securing a narrow victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Cup for Umm Al Shukhut Farm and trainer Mohamed Khaled Elahmed. Under Alberto Sanna, the 4YO son of AF AlBahar showed tremendous courage to hold off Kasser Al Shahania by a short head, with Amersun finishing third.
His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan Al Thani presided over the trophy presentations throughout the day, accompanied by QREC Chairman HE Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, marking another successful chapter in Qatar's rich racing heritage.