General looks invincible in Qatar International Trophy

By Chris Hoover/Doha

LEFT: Qatar’s champion General is seen winning the Qatar Arabian World Cup in Paris in October. General will into the Qatar International Trophy as the overwhelming favourite at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club tomorrow

A competitive field of 16 runners has been declared to start in the Qatar International Trophy, a Group I race for Pure Arabian horses, which is the highlight of the races to be held at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club tomorrow.
The International racing weekend is being held under the patronage of Special Advisor to the Emir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani..
Alban de Mieulle trained General who has outstanding credentials will go into the 1,600 metre contest as the overwhelming favourite. Full brother to his formidable stable mate Al Dahma, General makes his return to the racing track for the first time this season after defending his Qatar Arabian World Cup title in Paris in October.

Qatar Derby and Heir Apparent Trophy winner Beethoven is in line of hattrick in the Qatar International Invitational Cup for Thoroughbreds. PICTURES: Juhaim

The mile trip suits him fine because the blinding acceleration that he is capable of on the homestretch is what that could tilt the scales decisively in his favour. Stable mate Raqiyah also comes into the race with a huge chance as she is capable of putting in a similar performance.
Miuelle has another challenger in Al Tair, who has been unbeaten so far. Al Tair looks to be the star of the future but can pose a threat to his stable mates. Jockey David Bouland will be on the saddle on the World champion, while Oliver Peslier has been assigned to ride Raqiyah. Michael Poirier will partner Al Tair. 

Fegentri’s lady jockeys will be seen in action during the International racing weekend at the QREC

"General has been well prepared with event in mind. The mile trip suits him and we are confident that he can win this prestigious race. Though it is the first run for General this season, he has the class to do well. After this race, General will take part in the Emir’s Sword race and then will be campaigned on the European circuit. Raqiyah is also in good form and could be a major threat,” Mieulle told the Gulf Times.
Apart from the local challenger from Shahania Stud, there are a few accomplished runners from France and England. Dubai Heros, Joybell and Burning Fancy will go into the race as ‘dark uns’ in the fray.
Shahania Stud trainer Julian Smart was however optimistic of his wards chances in the Gulf Cup. "The preparations are going better than the Heir Apparent race day. There are Umm Qarn horses to beat along with Ghazali’s Qassed in the Gulf Cup. Our horses are training well but we can never be confident but be hopeful of winning..”
Talking about the Qatar International Trophy, Smart was candid enough to say that it would be a very difficult race to win as there some top class horses in the race. "We definitely have to beat Umm Qarn Farm horses like General and Raqiyah. There are not easy to beat and we have a very tough task on hand in this race. The French bred horses of the Omani’s are quite good and they have been in fine form in France. Will Smith’s horses are also good but it will be very difficult for any of them to match strides with two times World Cup winner General.”
The quality of Thoroughbreds racing in Qatar has improved vastly over the years. After Ibrahim al-Malki’s Miss Starlight and Hearts Of Fire arrived in Qatar, we had the likes of Beethoven and Joshua Tree join the elite brigade. They have put Qatar on the international map with these Group I horses taking part in the classics here.
This years Qatar International Invitational Cup for Thoroughbreds has one of the best line-ups seen in recent times. Mohammed Kazim al-Ansari owned Beethoven has won the Qatar Derby and the Heir Apparent Trophy and looks set to record a hattrick, but will have to contend with the challenge of Joshua Tree and Miss Starlight.
Joshua Tree finished fourth in the Heir Apparent Trophy but may have needed that run. He is definitely a force to reckon with. Miss Starlight was a close second to Beethoven in her last run and she has another opportunity to avenge that defeat. This could well turn out to be a cliffhanger of a race.
The Gulf Cup, a race GCC bred Pure Arabian horses is the main event of the races today. A strong field of 12 are part of this prestigious race. Umm Qarn Farms’ Raihan will go into the race as the favourite, while Al Shahania Stud have Nimr and Iftekhar who are capable of matching strides with the best. Heir Apparent Sword winner Qassed from trainer Jassim al-Ghazali’s yard is the one that can surprise one and all if he can repeat that performance again.
Two races on each day has been reserved for Fegentri. Lady jockeys from all over the world along with gentlemen riders will display their riding talent. Fegentri which was founded in 1955 by a handful of amateur riders now has 23 countries as members of its federation. The main objective of Fegentri is to promote international races for amateur riders.
Apart from the racing action, QREC has made elaborate arrangement to enthrall the spectators. For the first time ever, there will be a Hat competition for ladies. The winners as well as all the participants are assured of taking away many prizes on offer. The children are also assured of a gala time as there is a painting competition apart from free pony rides and a lot other entertainment planned for the evening.
The other visitors to the race course can win some fabulous prizes. A raffle draw will be held immediately after the last race and a lucky spectator is likely to drive away with a car that will be given away to the winner.