 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Maysara maintained her impressive form with a commanding victory in the feature Al Mamoura Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Saturday, giving jockey Pierre Charles Boudot his second winner of the day.
The 5YO mare, trained by Hamad Al-Jehani for owner Mohammed Abdulhadi S Al-Hajri, produced a devastating turn of foot in the closing stages of the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Handicap to surge past her rivals and score by two and a quarter lengths.
Dhergham Bu Thaila broke smartly from barrier 6 and set a strong pace, with Al Shomos, trained by Ahmed Kobeissi for owner Saeed bin Mubarak Saeed Aljafali Al Naimi, tracking closely in second under jockey Faleh Bughanaim. The pair dominated proceedings until the home straight, where Al Shomos mounted a serious challenge and briefly looked like the winner.
However, Maysara was unleashing her blistering turn of foot from the outside, sweeping past both rivals with authority to storm clear for an emphatic victory. Al Shomos held on for second, finishing ahead of Mutamarrid, who stayed on well to claim third for owner Injaaz Stud and trainer Jihad El Ahmad.
The penultimate race saw 9YO Dukhan extend his perfect record this season with a third consecutive victory in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap over 1900m.
Owned by Mubarak Mohd R S Al-Kuwari and trained by Mohamed Rashid Seif Al Kuwari, Dukhan was given a confident ride by Youssef Lachhab, storming home to win by two lengths in the three-runner contest.
Sky Blue dictated the early tempo, closely tracked by Al Yateema and Dukhan. As they entered the home straight, Dukhan unleashed a decisive surge, sweeping past both rivals with ease to power clear for a comfortable win. Sky Blue held on for second, just a quarter of a length ahead of Al Yateema in third.
Earlier on the card, Millions produced a powerful finish to land the Thoroughbred Handicap over 1700m. The 7YO gelding, owned and trained by Abdulaziz Ali Al Kathiri, delivered a well-timed challenge under jockey Faleh Bughanaim to secure a one-and-a-half-length win.
Lowton had taken over from early pacesetter Ethandun approaching the final bend, but Millions, who had been patiently positioned towards the rear, responded brilliantly to Bughanaim's urging with an electrifying turn of foot. One Nation and Mobilise finished strongly to take second and third respectively, separated by just a quarter of a length.
In the Purebred Arabian Handicap over the same distance, Sakher secured his first win of the season at the sixth attempt for 51 East Racing and trainer Wasim Al Sahn. Under jockey Ivan Rossi, Sakher launched a strong challenge in the home straight after tracking the pace set by Taaghi, who was followed by Texas Storm CS, before El Ghazi moved to take over the lead.
His powerful run allowed him to take control and win convincingly by a length and a quarter. El Ghazi held on for second, with Farhan just a short head behind in third after a thrilling battle.
The card also featured an eye-catching debut from filly Ishraaqat, who stormed to a two-and-a-half length victory in the Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate for 3YOs over 1200m.
Owned by Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari and trained by Zuhair Mohsen, Ishraaqat settled in third behind early leader Fakhar FBR and Rumooz before unleashing a superb turn of foot in the home straight to take the lead and pull clear for an emphatic win.
Earlier, Al Mutaghatris maintained his excellent form this season with a second consecutive win in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap over 1700m. The 5YO gelding, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trained by Julian Smart, triumphed by a length and three quarters under Pierre Charles Boudot.
After tracking early leaders Mandoob and Jalila Alghania, Al Mutaghatris moved up alongside challenger Dhi Qar Zakhir before proving the stronger in the home straight and kicking clear for a decisive victory. Azooz claimed second, with Dhi Qar Zakhir three and a half lengths away in third.
The opening races saw maiden victories for Lattam Al Shajah and See All Match. Lattam Al Shajah, a 5YO gelding owned by Hassan Bin Ali Hassan Al Matwi and trained by Mohammed Hassan Al Matwi, secured a three-quarter length win in the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate after tracking early leader Al Jaroudi before battling with Songe Al Maury in the straight, with Gudari Du Paon finishing a further three lengths back in third.
In the opening race, See All Match made all to break his maiden at the 13th attempt in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for owner-trainer Abdulaziz Ali A Al-Kathiri. After setting the pace, he held off the persistent challenge of Alhoby to win by a neck, with Tyson San taking third ahead of Saahem.