By Chris Hoover/Doha

Fine Prince (Strategic Prince-Theebah) saddled by Jassim al-Ghazali posted a thrilling victory in the Al Naksh Cup, a race for two year old Thoroughbreds, which featured the fourth day’s races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Sporting the colours of Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari, Fine Prince made a winning debut in Qatar with a ground devouring run in the final stages of the race. Fine Prince galloped on resolutely in the stretch to come from the third position and win while warding off the spirited effort of stable mate Lupie. Jockey JP Guillambert rode a well judged race on the winner.
Trainer Ghazali dominated the day’s proceeding with four winners in a small card of seven events framed for the day.
Ghazali trained Al Hareth plundered his rivals with a tremendous turn of foot and completely outclassed them all with a super display of speed to win the Al Kharrarah Cup, a local Thoroughbred’s race for three year olds. Jockey Stephane Ladjadj took the Ghazali trainee to the front and made every post a winning one. Though Footprintinthesand came with a spirited challenge in the final 50 metres, Al Hareth strode out gallantly to stave off the bid and win by a head.
Mohammed Hamad al-Attiya schooled Al Zobara Al Sakab earned her maiden win in a striking manner in the Muraikh Cup, a Local Bred Pure Arabian Maiden race, run over seven furlongs. After racing a handy second until the homestretch, Al Zobara Al Sakab quickened well in the final furlong and went past Moddhish to win quite comfortably. Jockey Alberto Sanna was astride the winner.
Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani owned Suhail Al Uraiq made a winning debut in the Sumaysimah Cup, a mile race for three year old local bred Pure Arabians. It also gave former Al Shahania Stud and Injaaz Stud trainer Mohammed Riyaz, his maiden victory in his first attempt after returning from India to train for Sheikh Faisal. Jockey Marvin Suerland rode the Riyaz trainee to a start to finish victory. Sendeed Al Galayel was a neck behind in second while AJS Hayem and Saab completed the frame.
Trainer Riyaz was delighted to have started the season on a winning note. “It is great to start the season on a winning note. I must thank Sheikh Faisal for giving me an opportunity to return to Doha. Though I have a small string, I will do my very best and give good results to my owner. Though it was his first run, Suhail Al Uraiq gave a good performance and I am looking forward to another improved performance in his next start,” trainer Riyaz told the Gulf Times.
Julian Smart saddled Radwah came up with a brilliant stretch run to win the Ghasham Cup, a race for three year old Pure Arabian Fillies, run over seven furlongs. Radwah with Richard Mullen  in the saddle, produced a resounding gallop in the final furlong to skip away from the pack and win in fine fashion. Bahia Du Barthas, who tried runaway tactics held on to take the runner-up berth from AJS Intifadah.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Mishal bin Hamad al-Thani owned Momalorka took her seventh win in 19 starts when the progeny of Dutch Art came good under the able riding of Ladjadj in the Thoroughbred Conditions race for Fillies and Mares. Abeer also came with a fine performance to take the second place ahead of My Sharona to give trainer Ghazali the top three finish in the 1,400 metres contest.
Trainer Ghazali went on to complete a treble for the day when Bambino Du Pouy (Declan Cannon up) was successful in a start to finish mission in the  Umm Sawayyah Cup, a race for three year old Pure Arabians. Stable mates Bahess Des Vialettes and Tarek Al Mels finished second and third respectively.





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