DOHA: Fouladh edged out Dahash to capture the feature event of the seventh race meeting late on Thursday. It was an exciting battle for supremacy in the Al Wakra Cup.
Throughout the day, during the seven-race card were thrillers for those at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (REC).
The seventh race meeting was held under the patronage of H E Abdullah bin Mubarak bin Aboud Al Midhadhi, the Minister of Environment.
Alban de Mieulle’s trainee Fouladh won the QR 80,000 prize money contest over 1,600 metres by a “short head” margin.
Fouladh bounced back in magnificent fashion to push Dahash to second spot, thanks to the brilliance of jockey David Bouland.
The victory was the first cup success of the season for the French duo of De Mieulle and Bouland.
With six contestants participaing in the Local Bred Pure Arabian Stakes Race, Dahash gained upper hand at the start. Bouland brought Fouladh into contention only after entering the homestretch. Dahash (Marco Monteriso astride) went at good speed and looked like a winner, but Bouland’s aggressive ride pushed Fouladh and edged Dahash near the finish line.
This brought up a double for owners Umm Qarn, trainer De Mieulle and rider Bouland. Two races prior to the final, the same combination had struck a win with Baaria in Local Thoroughbred Stakes. That was also a close finish with Baaria taking the honours by a “short head” margin. Jockey David Badel and trainer Yousef Bentaher completed back-to-back victories. He took the first two races of the day with Al Naif Trade Mark and Ghazali.
Al Naif Trade Mark claimed the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate while Ghazali triumphed in the Pure Arabian Maiden Plate.
In the Thoroughbred Stakes, George Mikhalides schooled Al Madina served recorded a fine victory.
Rider Saleem Golam was superb while piloting Roman Myst to a narrow win in Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. The final verdict of the race was “short head” in favour of Ahmed Kobeissi’s trainee.
Besher Al Naif, who had not succeeded in the last eight runs, put that run behind to secure the Pure Arabian Handicap Race. Qatari jockey Ali Al Showeikh was impressive in taking Besher Al Naif home.
Results: First race: Al Naif Trade Mark (David Badel) (1), Ashjan Adhba (2), Napolean (3), Mushakasah (4). Won by: 4, 7, 1/2. Time: 1:29.32. Trained by: Yousef Bentaher. Owned by: Sheikh Tamin bin Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani
Second race: Ghazali (David Badel) (1), Khattab (2), Shujja (3), Tawash (4). Won by: 1/2 1/2, 2 1/2. Time: 1:36.10. Trained by: Yousef Bentaher. Owned by: Sheikh Rakan bin Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani
Third race: Roman Myst (Saleem Golam) (1), Suneagle (2), Mud Hilah (3), Marcus Augustus (4). Won by: Shd, Hd, 1 1/4 . Time: 1:33.65. Trained by: Ahmed Kobeissi. Owned by: Mohammed Kazim Al Ansari and Sons
Fourth race: Besher Al Naif (Ali al-Showeikh) (1), Qabas (2), Fiha (3), Barwa (4). Won by: 1 3/4, 1/2, 1. Time: 1:43.35. Trained by: Hilal Kobeissi. Owned by: Al Moqeerat Stud
Fifth race: Baaria (David Bouland) (1), Al Mansoor (2), Iradah (3), Sharid (4), Won by: Shd, Nk, 3/4. Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. Owned by: Um Qarn. Sixth race: Al Madina (Sylvail Ruis) (1), Beethovan (2), Flying Destination (3), Choose Wisely (4). Won by: 1 3/4, 3, 2. Time: 1:57.50. Trained by: George Mikhalides. Owned by: Sheikh Mohammed bin Mishal bin Hamad Al Thani
Seventh race: Fouladh (David Bouland) (1), Dahash (2), Raihan (3), Al Uraiq (4). Won by: Shd, 1 3/4, 6. Time: 1:46.24. Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. Owned by: Umm Qarn THE PENINSULA
