Al Shaqab Racing’s Mehmas imposed himself courageously at the very end of the Qatar Richmond Stakes (Gr2) on third day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Mehmas travelled on the outside and showed a lot of tenacity to resist Blue Point’s attack in the final furlongs. Blue Point, who had been undefeated in two runs, finished a close second ahead of Intelligence Cross.
“He really sticks his head out. He’s not overly big, but he has a big heart to compensate for that,” Dettori was all praise for his ride after the win. “He took it to the favourite and he showed what a tenacious horse he is. He’s straightforward. He doesn’t really bother. He likes a scrap and I took him to a scrap and he came up trumps. He doesn’t know how to run a bad race. He wears his heart on his sleeve and I’m pleased for HE Sheikh Joaan, who is here today.”
Experience seemed to have played an important role for Mehmas. The two-year-old colt continued his winning form from the Arqana July Stakes (Gr2) three weeks ago. He won his fourth race in six runs yesterday and provided trainer Richard Hannon with his first Goodwood winner this week.
Palpably, Hannon was excited.
“I just love the horse. He’s very tough and he’s done nothing wrong all year, and ultimately he’s extremely talented. He’s a horse that we like, the Sheikh likes him and I love him even more now. I think he’s going to be utilised this year as a two-year-old,” Hannon said yesterday.
“We need to win a Group One with him. What we do after that we will have to discuss and wait and see. He can’t do any more than what he’s doing at the moment. We’ll probably think about the Morny and the National Stakes. He was carrying a 3lb penalty and has been on the go all year. He’s not doing much at home, but to give that weight away and still beat them was impressive.”
The 2015 edition of the Qatar Richmond Stakes was also won by Al Shaqab Racing, thanks to Shalaa, who was also ridden by Dettori.