H H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy Day features exciting races
Published: 06 Jan 2023 - 10:06 am | Last Updated: 06 Jan 2023 - 10:08 am
H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani and Chairman of the Racing and Equestrian Club Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi with the connection of AJS Saaeq (QA) at Al Rayyan Racecourse, yesterday. PICTURES: JUHAIM/QREC
AJS Saaeq (QA) yesterday captured the limelight at the H H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy (Local Purebred Arabians) when the Al Jeryan Stud-owned bay horse was ridden to success by Szczepan Mazur at Al Rayyan Racecourse, yesterday.
The M H K Al Attiyah-trained five-year-old gave the 26th Race Meeting a perfect finish by winning the thrilling 1600-metre feature of the day by a neck, with Alban Elie De Mieulle-trained Sealine (QA) coming second.
AJS Saeeq looked poised for a clear win when he entered the final stretch, but Ronan Thomas-ridden Sealine and Abida (QA), with Carlos Henrique in the saddle, posed a huge challenge for the race leader until the last moment.
Sealine almost caught up, but AJS Saeeq prevailed while Abida finished three-quarters of a length behind the winner who bagged the top prize of the day, worth QR 285,000.
H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani crowned the winners in the presence of Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Chairman of the Racing and Equestrian Club.
The QREC Chairman thanked H H Sheikh Abdullah for attending the presentation ceremony, while congratulating the winning owners and trainers, stressing the strength and excitement of the races this season, which will reach its climax during the H H The Amir's Sword Festival.
Earlier, De Mieulle-trained Jabalah (FR) clinched the H H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup for Purebred Arabians (Gr2 PA).
Szczepan Mazur guides AJS Saaeq to victory.
Soufiane Saadi-ridden 7 yo bay horse dominated the QR400,00 race, winning by 2 3/4 length ahead of his closest rival Sayaad (FR) who had Marco Casamento in the saddle.
H H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Silver Cup (Purebred Arabians -4yo only) was won by Salmeen Abdulla S A Al Jabri-owned Princesse Mourtajez (FR).
The Zuhair Mohsen-trained 4 yo grey filly was ridden to success by famed jockey Ronan Thomas. The Jefferson Smith-ridden Hadlan (QA) finished second 1 3/4 lengths back.
Shgarde (USA), trained by Mohamed Khaled Elahmed won the Majd Al Arab Sprinter Championship - Purebred Arabians (Gr3 PA) with seasoned jockey Alberto Sanna in the saddle, while Umm Qarn Trophy - Thoroughbreds (Class 2) was won by In The Night (IRE) who was guided by Tomas Lukasek.
De Mieulle had another success when Saadi-ridden Queen Storm (QA) clinched the French King Cup - Local Thoroughbreds, while Three Diamonds (GB) captured the Yasmeen Cup - Thoroughbred Handicap 70-90 (Class 3) honours.
Earlier, Al Attiyah-trained Arabic Channel (USA) won the Charm Spirit Cup - Thoroughbred Handicap 70-90 (Class 3) while Nuvolari (GB) clinched the victory in the opening race of the day, Very Nice Name Cup - Thoroughbred Novice Plate (Class 5).
