QREC deputy general manager Tariq Abdulhameed al-Sidiqie (third from right) is seen with the winners of the Umm Qarn Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim
By Chris Hoover/Doha
Botanic Garden owned by Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari had to extract every ounce of his energy and speed to stay ahead after he went into the lead in the straight while keeping at bay the spirited challenge of stable mate Sandbetweenourtoes to win the Umm Qarn Cup, a Thoroughbred Conditions race, which featured the races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Trainer Jassim al-Ghazali who saddled the winner was in the limelight with five winners.
Jockey Marco Monteriso astride Botanic Garden was quick to make headway and easily went past the field to take charge. Making his won pace, Sanna had the Ghazali trainee upfront and travelling well. Entering the homestretch, Botanic Garden quickened the pace and kicked clear. Sandbetweenourtoes warmed up midway in the straight and started to gain heavily. Even though Botanic Garden had built what looked a comfortable lead and still had the momentum going, Sandbetweenourtoes put in a very fast gallop and all but snatched the verdict. He fell short by a half a length.
Mohammed Hussain saddled Nahaam galloped to a stylish first victory in the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. Settling in third behind leader Al Naif Citation, the Saeed Mohammed al-Shafi owned Nahaam forged ahead soon on turning for home. Jockey Gerald Avranche waited with the Hussain trainee until well into the straight and when he began to urge Nahaam the Dyhim progeny unleashed a terrific gallop to draw away and ward off the spirited bid of Al Naif Countfleet who came with ground devouring run along the rails.
Ghazali trained Instant Update finally shed his maiden status with a thrilling victory over Charlie’s Wish in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, run over 1,800 metres. The Ghazali trainee seemed to relish the step up in distance as he came rallied strongly towards the last 100 metres to pip Charlie’s Wish at the post. Into the home straight Charlie’s Wish improved gradually from about seventh position to get into striking position. Cappuccino Delight also came with a brilliant stretch run to dispute for the lead. Meanwhile, Yanis Aouabed started to ride out Instant Update strongly and the four-year-old produced a gorund devouring which eventually saw him pass the Charlie’s Wish and win by a head. Cappuccino Delight finished third with Missouri Spirit taking the fourth place.
Julian Smart schooled Al Nefor was a runaway winner of the Local Bred Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 50 and below. Sitting fifth at the turn, jockey Richard Mullen switched Al Nefor to the outside and made his move Arraf and Bahi were disputing for the lead. Arraf fought on but had no answer to Al Nefor when the Smart trainee burst on to the scene with a sustained gallop. Al Nefor was unstoppable and drew away in the final furlong from Arraf.
Sheikha Mariam bint Mishal bin Hamad al-Thani owned Al Majd won the Local Bred Pure Arabian Graduation Plate in splendid fashion. Being ridden out hands-n-heels, by jockey Guillambert, Al Majd powered away to win impressively from Rabha and Sandeed Al Galayel.
Abdulareda Abbas trained Maliha staved off the stiff challenge from Napinda to win the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 0 to 60 in a nail biting finish. Maliha (Darren Williams up) and Napinda (Salim Golam astride) fought every inch of the ground in the final 200 metres but it was the former who prevailed by a shorthead.
In the day’s other action, Rock Up broke through the maiden ranks with a pillar to post victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 50 to 70. Coming out well from an outside xdraw, Mullen had Rock Up take charge of the proceedings before passing the first furlong and stretched away in fine fashion to record his first win in nine starts.
RESULTS
1st race: Nahaam (Gerlad Avranche) 1, Al Naif Countfleet 2, Al Naif Citation 3, Jelmood 4. Won by: 3 ½, 1 ½, 6. Time: 1:58.62. Trained by: Mohammed Hussain. Owned by: Saeed Mohammed al-Shafi
2nd race: Instant Update (Yanis Aouabed) 1, Charlie’s Wish 2, Cappuccino Delight 3. Missouri Spirit 4. Won by: Hd, 2, 2. Time: 1:56.77. Trained by: Jassim al-Ghazali. Owned by: Jassim Mohammed Al Ghazali and Sons
3rd race: Al Nefor (Richard Mullen) 1, Arraf 2, Bahi 3, Sharhbeel Al Naif 4. Won by: 5, ½, 3 ½. Time: 2:07.79. Trained by: Julian Smart. Owned by: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani
4th race: Al Majd (JP Guilambert) 1, Rabha 2, Sandeed Al Galayel 3, Al Khuzamiah 4. Won by: 10, 8, 10. Time: 2:06.04. Trained by: Jassim al-Ghazali. Owned by: Sheikha Mariam bint Mishal bin Hamad al-Thani
5th race: Maliha (Darren Williams) 1, Napinda 2, Rodayna 3, Barzan 4. Won by: Shd, 9, ¾. Time: 1:54.64. Trained by: Abdulreda Abbas. Owned by: Mohammed Rashid Abdullah al-Naimi
6th race: Rock Up (Richard Mullen) 1, Yes We Can Dream 2, Mallak 3. Michael’s Song 4. Won by: 1 ¾, 1 ¼, ¾. Time: 1:04.63. Trained by: Jassim al-Ghazali. Owned by: Abdullah Mohammed Al Kuwari and Sons
7th race: Haayil (Declan Cannon) 1, Glossy Posse 2, Lat5e Debate 3, Freckenheim 4. Won by: 1, 5, 1 ½. Time: 1:53.49. Trained by: Jassim al-Ghazali. Owned by: Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari
8th race: Botanic Garden (Marco Monteriso) 1, Sandbetweenourtoes 2, Millers Wharf 3, Kohala 4. Won by: 1 ½, 1 ¼, 1 ¾. Time: 1:10.60. Trained by: Jassim al-Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari
