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| Staff Writer |
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The remarkable 10YO Al Shomos continued her winning streak at Al Uqda Racecourse on Saturday, landing the feature Al Uqda Local Thoroughbred Trophy over 1400m. Under a perfectly-timed ride from Ivan Rossi, the Ahmed Kobeissi-trained mare produced a determined finish to secure her third consecutive victory.
In a compact six-runner field, Black Pearl (Footstepsinthesand) led the early proceedings, with Tafawok (Shamalgan) following in close attendance. Al Shomos tracked the leaders in third before making her decisive move in the home straight. Despite a strong late challenge from Tafaahum (Rio de La Plata), ridden by Fayos Martin Borja for trainer Jihad El Ahmad, the mare held on gamely to win by half a length. Wadi Bu Thaila (Expert Eye), partnered by Soufiane Saadi for trainer Alban de Mieulle, finished three-quarters of a length back in third.
The day's supporting card saw Dhouha (TM Thunder Struck) maintain her excellent form in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap. The 5YO mare, trained by Hadi Al Ramzani and ridden by Jefferson Smith, dominated the 1400m contest, powering clear to win by four and a half lengths from Burkan Zakhir, with Talg'at Al Shahania taking third.
Dandy Arabian (Dandy Man) showcased his potential in the Thoroughbred Handicap over 2100m. The Hamad Al-Jehani-trained colt, ridden by Pierre Charles Boudot, demonstrated impressive acceleration to overcome Maximus Alexios, while Corpus Juris finished third.
Al Shaqab Racing's homebred Safwan (Wootton Bassett) secured his first Qatar victory in the Thoroughbred Graduation Plate. Trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by Olivier d'Andigne, the colt produced a stunning late surge to deny Far Shot, Pearling Path and Noble Patron.
The Rudy Nerbonne-trained Nah'ash Al Shahania claimed the Purebred Arabian Novice Plate, beating a field that included Marnan, Belgaro, Lavinia De Carrere and Tulaitila. Lagtaifia landed the Purebred Arabian Handicap, finishing ahead of Al Eraq, Prince D'ossau, Maatnookh, Al Malhouf and Gaeeda Al Shahania.
The opening Local Thoroughbred Handicap went to Achika, trained by Mohamed Khaled Elahmed, who overcame Bint Al Hareth, Nice Heart, Minsk, Shaha and E'zz in a competitive finish.
The winners were presented with their trophies by Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, marking another successful day of racing at Al Uqda.