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| Staff Writer |
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Ezzat Nafs showed tremendous heart to secure a neck victory in Wednesday's Al Mafiar Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse, headlining a card that featured several dominant performances including a breathtaking 12-length romp in the opener.
The 8YO mare, owned and bred by Sabhea Awad Ibrahim and trained by Khaled Mohamad Alahmad, made all the running under Fayos Martin Borja in the 1200m dirt contest for Local Purebred Arabians.
In the 12-runner field, several contenders vied for early position with Al Ehdaashari initially tracking the leader. Despite coming under intense pressure in the closing stages from Naseeb Zakhir, representing owner-trainer Osama Omer E Al-Dafea and ridden by Faleh Bughanaim, the gutsy mare held on by a neck. Makarim, owned and trained by Rashid Mohammed R A Alathba with Lukas Delozier aboard, finished strongly to take third, two and a quarter length behind the runner-up.
French ace Pierre Charles Boudot dominated proceedings, riding an impressive four winners throughout the eight-race programme.
His haul began when Enchanted Eye stormed home late to snatch the 1700m Thoroughbred Maiden for 3YOs. The Gassim Ghazali-trained gelding, carrying the colours of Nasser Saeed M S Al-Eida, overcame Arizona Beauty by three-quarters of a length with Panenka a further length back in third.
Boudot quickly doubled up aboard Thanks Forever in the 1100m Thoroughbred Handicap. The 4YO, owned by Injaaz Stud and trained by Jihad El Ahmad, scored by one and a half lengths from Mockirr with Little Heron taking third. Time Traveller had led early before giving way.
The Frenchman completed his hat-trick when guiding Monya to back-to-back victories in the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Handicap. Julian Smart's 6YO mare, again representing Injaaz Stud, proved a length too good for Neshan with Barq Al Atam two and a half lengths away in third. Early pacesetter Brahms had given way to Bint Al Hareth and S K Azam before the winner's decisive move.
The evening began in spectacular fashion when Amersun demolished his rivals by 12 lengths in the 2500m Local Purebred Arabian Maiden. The 4YO colt, representing Wathnan Racing and trained by Alban de Mieulle, was given a confident ride by Soufiane Saadi.
Early leader Mandoob was quickly passed by Al Refaa Al Sakab who dictated until the final 800m, with Taya running prominently. After tracking the leaders, Amersun cruised to the front with 800m remaining and powered clear for an emphatic success. Stablemate Achmed completed a one-two for the connections with Al Qaws a distant third, a further 10½ lengths adrift.
Julian Smart completed a double when Al Mosayterah claimed the 1900m Purebred Arabian Handicap for mares by four lengths. The 5YO, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and partnered by Marco Casamento, beat Djedahess with stablemate Alnood a length further back in third. Kahlie De Faust had led early, with Lagtaifia and Ezwa't Al Shahania also prominent before the winner's sweeping move.
Boudot's fourth winner came aboard Saigon Dream in the 1200m Thoroughbred Handicap. The Mohammed Ghazali-trained gelding, owned by Alghazali Motors Racing, scored by one and a quarter length from Mobilise with The Dunkirk Lads taking third. Pearling Path and High And Wide had both featured prominently in a race that saw frequent position changes.
Gassim Ghazali also celebrated a double when Mesaieed, representing H.E. Meshaal bin Ali M A Al-Attiyah, took the 1200m Purebred Arabian Handicap by two lengths under Marco Casamento. Front-runner Marnan set the early tempo pursued by Roqayya, Hardan, Kanz Al Adeed and Nafees Al Shahania before Mesaieed swept through with a blistering turn of foot. Nafees Al Shahania claimed second with Hardan and Marnan dead heating for third, a further length behind.