Nuvolari and Tajamhor steal limelight

Nibras Racing Syndicate’s Nuvolari stole limelight on the opening day of the HH The Amir Sword Festival topping a stellar field to clinch the Thoroughbred Sand Championship title at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. 

With the likes of Ernest Aldrich, Roman Melody and Jewel House taking part in the 1700m race, the four-year-old colt, trained by Abdulla Al Mulla, showed a consistent pace to claim an impressive five-and-a-half-length victory under jockey Ivan Rossi.

Ernest Aldrich, ridden by Lukas Delozier, ended up second while Maxime Guyon rode Roman Melody to third place in the race. 

With all the eight contests on inaugural day of the $10m Festival offering $100,000 each in prize money, thrilling races were witnessed during the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) 32nd Race Meeting dubbed the Sand Championships. 

Ivan Rossi guides Nuvolari to victory yesterday. 

Spectators, who turned out in good numbers, were also entertained with many activities organised by the QREC for the three-day Festival.  

Meanwhile, Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s Tajamhor started the day with a huge 12-length triumph in the 1700m Local Purebred Arabians. Ridden by David Egan, the four-year-old colt, dominated the race completely to bag title for trainer Zuhair Mohsen. 

In what was the second race of the day, jockey Tomas Lukasek and Achika teamed up to take the trophy for Premium Maiden Cup - Local Thoroughbreds, winning the 1700m contest by two and three quarter lengths.      

The 1700m Premium Maiden Cup for 4-6YO Purebred Arabians saw Nasser Saeed Al Eida’s Bahar Al Jasra with Guyon in the saddle claiming the 1700m race, three-length clear of Shamlowl. QREC Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi crowned winners of the race.

Also yesterday, Abdulaziz Saleh Al Jaber’s Zicatela landed the Sand Championship for 3YO Thoroughbreds under jockey Alberto Sanna, securing a half-length victory in the 1700m race for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani. 

Bahar Al Jasra, ridden by Maxime Guyon, on his way to Premium Maiden Cup win.

After a thrilling battle with AJS Al Aredh, Al Jasra Stud’s homebred Mared Al Jasra also recorded a thrilling win as he won the 1700m Sand Championship for 4YO+ Local Purebred Arabians by a neck. Marco Casamento rode the six-year-old, trained by Mohammed Ghazali. 

The Sand Championship for 4YO+ Local Thoroughbreds also witnessed exciting contest before Al Brenes Stud’s Doghan under Faleh Bughanaim prevailed over the challengers to notch up a three-length win for trainer Owaida Salem Al Hajri.       

In penultimate race of the, Mohammed bin Fahad Al Attiya’s Nijinski Al Maury clinched the Purebred Arabian Sand Championship title, reigning supreme in the 1700m race - two and three quarter lengths clear under jockey Lukas Delozier. The win also completed a double on the day for trainer Ghazali.

Action during the opening day of the HH The Amir Sword Festival.

Today, the second day of the Festival will decide 10 winners with Al Zubara Trophy and Al Rayyan Breeders Cup at stakes as packed stands are expected at the weekend.

The feature - Local Thoroughbreds (Far Bend) for Al Rayyan Breeders Cup carries a purse of $400,000 while Local Purebred Arabians for Al Zubara Trophy is offering prize money of $200,000.