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Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Intifidah (Albahar Karrema) proved too superior to the opposition while winning the Doha Local Bred Pure Arabian Oaks Trial, the featured race at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. The Mohanad al-Yaqiut trained AJS Intifidah was ridden to victory by Dubai based jockey Tadgh O’Shea. |
AJS Intifidah moved strongly from the third position at the bend to gather speed with minimum fuss and won by a widening margin of nine lengths. Mohammed Riyaz trained Shahaba Al Uraiq was second ahead of Nada.
“I am extremely happy about the result and I am proud that Intifidah was bred at Al Jeryan Stud. It is really great to see the horse bred at our farm winning top level races like this. Intifidah ran a great race and won very well. She seems to be in good form and we look forward to her future engagements,” trainer Mohanad told the Gulf Times.
A delighted jockey O’Shea said. “She is a very nice filly who made my job very easy. She jumped out well and travelled very well and in the last 200 metres, Intifidah was getting a little bit low but that was not a bother. She was by far the best today which is great.”
Jassim al-Ghazali saddled City Zen galloped to a stylish victory in the Doha Thoroughbred Oaks Trial. Settling in third behind leader Amaseena, City Zen forged ahead soon on turning for home. Jockey Harry Bentley waited with the Ghazali trainee until well into the straight and when he began to urge City Zen the Baltic King progeny unleashed a terrific gallop to draw away and ward off the spirited bid of Makruma. In form jockey Bentley rode a well judged race on the winner.
Hassan Ali Hassan al-Matwi’s Mindza (Munjiz-Peguy) kept her unbeaten record in Doha intact while winning the Doha Pure Arabian Oaks Trial in brilliant fashion. This was the third win in three starts for Mindza, who was ridden by Gerala Avranche to a three length victory over Bahia Du Barthas and Radwah, who were unable to match strides with the winner. Though Mindza had an unsuccessful campaign in Europe, she looks set to dominate in the forthcoming classics.
Alban de Mieulle trained Yasmeen (Atlantic Air-Danse Du Desert) came good in her second attempt and scored her maiden victory in style. The Atlantic Air progeny glided to victory without as much as giving her rivals a chance to overhaul her in the Doha Local Thoroughbred Oaks Trial. Yasmeen with French jockey Gaetan Faucon in the saddle, took charge of the proceedings at the home turn. Once she took the lead, Yasmeen left nothing to chance and dictated her own terms all the way. She worked up a sizeable lead and galloped on resolutely to win as she pleased. Hawra who chased the winner all the way took the second place ahead of Al Dabor.
Trainer Mieulle was delighted with the victory of Yasmeen, which is the first crop of Umm Qarn stallion Atlantic Air. “I am very thrilled with this win as Yasmeen is the first foal of our stallion Atlantic Air. She seems to be a good filly which won very well today. We have only two three year olds this season but there will be four of them in the next season. I am very pleased for our stallion Atlantic Air and am looking forward to see his crop flourish in the next season.”
Earlier de Mieulle saddled Firdous (Pier Convertino astride) clinched an impressive victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 60 to 80. Coming from way off the pace, Firdous came with a ground devouring and went [ast the front runners to win by a length from Jumaira Tower and Upholland.
Majid Safedeen schooled Court Life won the local bred Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 60 to 80 with a measure of comfort. In a pretty fast run race, jockey Lee got Court Life to get to a striking position behind the front runners as they rounded the turn and galloped strongly to surge forward midway up the straight. Once asked for an effort, Court Life sporting the colours of Mubarak Saeed Aljafai al-Naimi, sped away to win by one and a half lengths. Hi Holy also finished with a purpose to take the runner-up berth ahead of Maxentius.
Mohammed Hussain saddled Absher continued to dazzle while taking his second strainght win of the season. Dhafi al-Ardhi al-Marri owned Absher was ridden confidently by jockey Gary Carter to a half lenghth victory over Haidara in the local Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 0 to 70. After racing in mid bunch for most part of the journey, Carter alighted Absher to the task on hand and the Hussain trainee was quick to take the initiatve.
Without being unduly stretched, Absher sped away to take his fourth win in 11 starts. Haidara came with a spirited challenge but found the winner too good on the day.
In the day’s opener, Yousef Bentaher schooled Desar Al Naif (Tornador-BahraA Al Naif) broke through the maiden ranks with a fleunt victory in the Local Bred Pure Arabian Maiden Plate.
The Bentaher trainee which had finished a length behind Mouhabat Al Naif in his previous outing, raced a handy second until the bend and when jockey Marvin Suerland asked him for an effort, Desar Al Naif quickly changed gears and went away to take his first win in three starts.
AJS Madrid (Tadgh O’Shea up) warmed up late to take the second palce ahead of Hareer Al Hana.
