Hat-tricks for jockey Casamento and trainer Ghazali

Doha: AJS Al Aredh clinched the Sprint Cup in style claiming a neck victory in the feature race during Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) 21st Race Meeting at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. 

The Al Ghazali Stud-owned seven-year-old gelding, with Marco Casamento in the saddle outpaced Mohamed Khaled Elahmed-trained Shgarde – ridden by Alberto Sanna – in the 1200m run for Purebred Arabian Handicap. Eduardo Pedroza led Tamih to third place in the race that offered a total prize purse of QR100,000. 

QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented awards and trophies to the winners. 

The Sprint Cup triumph capped a fine day for jockey Casamento and trainer Gassim Ghazali, who bagged hat-tricks with eight races decided on the day.       

In what was the first race of the day, Casamento guided Mohammed Ghazali-trained Cobra Kai to win by a head in 1700m Thoroughbred Handicap over War Effort, ridden by Hugo Besnier. 

The jockey then helmed Mystical Music to win Thoroughbred Handicap 0-80 (Class 4) offering QR50,000 in prize money. The Ghazali-trained three-year-old gelding beat Crush And Run by 1½ length in 1200m run. 

The connection of AJS Al Aredh celebrate after the Al Ghazali Stud-owned seven-year-old gelding clinched the Sprint Cup at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s 21st Race Meeting at Al Rayyan Racecourse, yesterday. 

Also yesterday, Ghazali-trained Roman Melody, ridden by Anas Al Seyabi, recorded a thrilling neck win over Massam in the 1700m Thoroughbred Conditions (Class 2) – the penultimate race of the day. 

Meanwhile, Besnier also relished a good day at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday clinching two victories. 

He led Monsieur One to Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate title after overcoming a challenge from Afandem in the 1200m race. Besnier completed the brace when he rode Nomas Al Shajaa to victory in 1200m Local Purebred Arabian Handicap.     

Saqr and Al Warkah also earned wins with the former – guided by Pranil Arvind Kharat – winning the 1700m Purebred Arabian Novice Plate. Sanna helmed Al Warkah in the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate triumph. 

Meanwhile, Muaither Cup will be up for grabs in the 22nd Race Meeting that includes a total of nine races today.