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.
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.
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.
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.
RESULTS
63st Al Rayyan Race Meeting –Msheireb Cup
WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)
1. Msheireb Cup, Purebred Arabian Handicap (85-105), 4yo+, 1400m
Shagraan, Saeed Mohammed Shafi al-Shafi, Saleh Salem al-Marri
2. Thoroughbred Handicap (0-90), 3yo, 1400m
Jungle Monarch, Jassim al-Ghazali, Marco Casamento
3. Thoroughbred Handicap (65-85), 4yo+, 2000m
Byblos, Bader al-Balushi, Soufiane Saadi
4. Purebred Arabian Novice Plate, 3yo, 1400m
Al Wazeer, Alban de Mieulle, Soufiane Saadi
5. Thoroughbred Handicap (55-75), 3yo+, 2000m
Lucentio, Ahmed Kobeissi, Jefferson Smith
6. Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate, 3yo, 1400m
Afran, Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki, Marco Casamento
7. Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate, 4-7yo, 2000m
Al Murqab, Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki, Jefferson Smith
8. Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, 4-7yo, 2000m
Atlantic Convoy, Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki, Saleh Salem al-Marri
