Shagraan claims Msheireb Cup in emphatic style
Shagraan bounced back to winning ways in style, landing the Msheireb Cup for owner-trainer Saeed Mohammed Shafi al-Shafi at the Al Rayyan Racecourse Wednesday.Positioned comfortably in midfield for most of the race, he unleashed a powerful turn of foot in the home straight, surging past his rivals to secure an emphatic two-and-a-half-length victory in the day feature - the 1400m Purebred Arabian Handicap.**media[433605]**The six-year-old bay gelding was expertly partnered by Saleh Salem al-Marri, who went on to complete a notable double on the card.Settled in midfield through the early and middle stages, Shagraan travelled comfortably as Waseelh set the pace from the outset, tracked by Posuelo Py before the latter was gradually eased back, with Al Zwair and the eventual winner also positioned off the tempo.**media[433606]**Approaching the home straight, Nah’ash Al Shahania moved up to challenge and briefly took the lead, but the race quickly turned as the closers began to emerge. Inside the final 200m, Shagraan unleashed a decisive turn of foot, sweeping past his rivals and asserting with authority to put the result beyond doubt.**media[433607]**Al Zwair, representing Al Shaqab Racing and prepared by Jean de Mieulle, finished second with Pierre Charles Boudot aboard, a quarter of a length ahead of Posuelo Py, who stayed on for Ibrahim Mohammed al-Fadala, from the Hamad al-Jehani yard and with Szczepan Mazur in the saddle to take third, both having come from off the pace with strong late runs.RESULTS63st Al Rayyan Race Meeting –Msheireb CupWINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)1. Msheireb Cup, Purebred Arabian Handicap (85-105), 4yo+, 1400mShagraan, Saeed Mohammed Shafi al-Shafi, Saleh Salem al-Marri2. Thoroughbred Handicap (0-90), 3yo, 1400mJungle Monarch, Jassim al-Ghazali, Marco Casamento3. Thoroughbred Handicap (65-85), 4yo+, 2000mByblos, Bader al-Balushi, Soufiane Saadi4. Purebred Arabian Novice Plate, 3yo, 1400mAl Wazeer, Alban de Mieulle, Soufiane Saadi5. Thoroughbred Handicap (55-75), 3yo+, 2000mLucentio, Ahmed Kobeissi, Jefferson Smith6. Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate, 3yo, 1400mAfran, Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki, Marco Casamento7. Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate, 4-7yo, 2000mAl Murqab, Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki, Jefferson Smith8. Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, 4-7yo, 2000mAtlantic Convoy, Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki, Saleh Salem al-Marri