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| Staff Writer |
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Dubawi Spectre has delivered a determined performance to claim the US$200,000 feature Thoroughbred Sand Championship at Al Rayyan Racecourse, highlighting day one of the HH The Amir Sword Festival. The Jassim Ghazali-trained 5YO, under Maxime Guyon, fought bravely to secure a half-length victory over Nuvolari, with Local Law finishing third.
The victory marks Dubawi Spectre's fourth success of the season, following triumphs in the US$150,000 Al Jassasiya Cup, US$175,000 Doha Cup, and US$125,000 Brooq Cup, cementing his position as one of Qatar's leading dirt performers.
In the Purebred Arabian division, Al Nati Up maintained his perfect 2025 record with a neck victory in the US$200,000 Purebred Arabian Sand Championship. The Mohd Ahmed Mohd Hasan al-Sulaiti-trained 5YO, partnered by Fayos Martin Borja, produced a stunning late charge in a blanket finish where only heads separated the first four home.
Lulwat Al Faisal demonstrated her class in the US$200,000 Local Thoroughbred Sand Championship, securing a comfortable 1¼-length victory under Lukas Delozier for trainer Khalifa Hamed Nasser al-Sawai. The mare's strong late surge in the home straight proved decisive.
The US$200,000 Local Purebred Arabian Sand Championship fell to Munhamik, who showcased impressive staying power under Abdulla Rashid al-Hajri. The Owaida Salem al-Hajri-trained 7YO delivered a perfectly-timed challenge to snatch victory by half a length.
In the 3YO division, Due To Dance broke his maiden in style, claiming the US$200,000 Thoroughbred Sand Championship by 3½ lengths. The Mohammed Ghazali-trained colt, ridden by Oisin Murphy, made a sweeping move before the final bend to secure an impressive victory.
The US$100,000 Premium Maiden Cups provided platform for emerging talent, with Burkan claiming the Purebred Arabian division for trainer Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki under Tomas Lukasek. Al Maher dominated the Local Thoroughbred section with a nine-length victory for trainer Zuhair Mohsen and jockey Jim Crowley, while Al Wasmi secured the Local Purebred Arabian division by 4½ lengths for Mohammed Ghazali and Marco Casamento.
The festival continues with day two featuring 10 races, headlined by the US$400,000 Al Rayyan Breeders Cup. Additional highlights include the US$200,000 Purebred Arabian Sprint Cup and the US$200,000 Al Zubara Trophy for Local Purebred Arabians.