Mohammed Hamad al-Attiya trained Al Rayyan Al Sakab clinched the Halul Island Cup, a local Thoroughbred Stakes, the feature event of yesterday’s races on the sand track of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. Rayyan Al Sakab (Suerland up) hit the front from the word ‘go’ and simply gave no chance to his challengers to come anywhere near his shadow en route to a smashing win in the QR 80,000 event. The 40th day’s races were held under the patronage of Minister of State HE Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Attiyah.

Umm Qarn’s Waddah won the local bred Pure Arabian Handicap, drawing away from the field. The Alban de Mieulle schooled Waddah with Italian jockey Pier Convertino in the saddle, jumped out well from the gates and was in a handy striking position as Al Wasmiya took upon himself the task of dictating the terms of the race from the start which he did so till overhauled by the eventual winner at the top of the straight. Jouraas Al Naif who did not have early speed, covered up places by the final turn and though he finished on with a flourish, the leeway was too much to bridge.

The Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 80 to 100, witnessed an exciting three horse finish. Salem al-Hajri saddled Majd Al Shajaa pulled off a thrilling win by thwarting the spirited challenge of Trompettiste and Johnny Hancocks.

Acamar set a scorching pace till the home stretch and Majd Al Shajaa who chased the front runner into the straight, went into the lead. Trompettiste who had some leeway to cover, closed with a determined run but found the winning post coming to the rescue of the winner. Jockey Marvin Suerland was simply brilliant on the saddle on the winner.

Julian Smart saddled Al Azuur shed his maiden status with a runaway win in the local bred Pure Arabian Maiden Plate. Al Azuur led from the start to check in well clear of Hshiyat and Al Forat. Jockey Marco Monteriso rode a well-judged race on the winner.

Jassim al-Ghazali trained Uqab (Yanis Aouabed astride) was another impressive winner of the day when the four-year-old bay colt recorded an emphatic victory in the local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. Marikh led all the way of the 1,100 metres  trip but slackened inside the final 100 metres and Uqab  who was shadowing the front-runner, sailed clear to win with a measure of comfort.

Ghazali had earlier saddled Inside to victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 60 and below. After racing in a handy second position, Inside skipped away from the rest at the top of the straight. Amphora closed with a rush but found the winner too good.

 

 

 

 

 

Related Story