By Chris Hoover/Doha
Julian Smart trained Nimr (Amer-Nisaee) bounced back to winning ways in spectacular fashion, beating a field which had a few accomplished runners in the fray, en route to lifting the Gulf Cup, the highlight of yesterday’s races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.
The Amer progeny and the old war horse of Al Shahania Stud, showed what he is capable of when he is at her best by the way in which he beat the opposition and the amazing quality of the win was the manner in which he stretched away in the final furlong to win the 1,850 metres event in a timing of two minutes 02.51 seconds. Though Heir Apparent Sword winner Qassed had the first run on his rivals, he succumbed to the onslaught of Nimr, who continues to dazzle as an eight-year-old. The fancied Raihan ran on to finish second ahead of Qassed. Jockey Seb Sanders gave a brilliant ride on the winner.
An ecstatic Julian was all praise for his champion horse. “Honestly I thought that Iftekhar was in good form today but we knew that Nimr had improved. He is an old war horse and he quickened so well in the straight as though he was a four-year-old. That was really sensational,” a jubilant Smart told the Gulf Times.
Incidentally this was the first International Cup victory for Julian and he was very happy to have broken the jinx. “I could not be more happier than this as many have questioned that Nimr is is a sprinter. I proved last year in the Heir Apparent Trophy when he ran over a mile and a half. Today he did well in this 1,850 metres trip and beaten the best local bred Pure Arabians in the region. We have had the run of a very disappointing seconds and thirds and today has been different.”
Jockey Sanders was also elated with the success of Nimr. “I am very pleased today as Nimr has not been lucky in the big races this season. It is nice that he got in front in this prestigious race. Last time the race was messed up with a loose horse in the race but today I reserved him for the straight and he responded really well. I am so delighted for the team at Al Shahania Stud.”
The Fegentri race for women riders saw Sweden’s Tina Henrikkson steer Ibrahim al-Malki trained Soviet Secret to an emphatic victory in the Thoroughbred Plate. Acamar led the field until the final furlong but once Soviet Secret warmed up, there was no stopping the Ibrahim trainee who charged home and won with plenty to spare.
The 2010 Fegentri world champion was elated with the victory. “Soviet Secret is a brilliant horse and I am delighted to have won here. The track is fantastic and he did exactly what was expected of him,” an excited jockey Tina said.
Having finished second at Italy in the first leg of the championship, Tina is keen to retain the title. “The championship has begun well for and I am looking forward to winning the title again. The experience in Qatar has been great and I hope to come back next year too.”
Earlier in the day, France’s Edouard Monfort put in a gallant display from the saddle, while riding Hassan al-Matwi’s Jalmoud Al Jazeera to a thrilling victory in the Fegentri race for gentlemen.
George Mikhalides nurtured Al Ejtiyah recorded a comfortable victory in the local bred Pure Arabiann Handicap for horses rated 40 and above, run over 1,850 metres.
With Endefa showing good early speed, jockey Darren Williams rode Al Ejtiyah who likes to run freely in front, settled comfortably in the second position.
Endefa (Marvivn Suerland up), a gutsy performer, did not give up easily in the homestretch and fought resolutely till his reserves ran out inside the distance post at which point Al Ejtiyah surged ahead and went away from the rest to win as he pleased. Insaf came with a late dash to take the second place ahead of Arkan Al Naif.
Mohammed Hamad al-Attiya schooled Bin Amer set the track ablaze when showing a clean pair of heels to his rivals en route to a commanding victory in the Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 60 to 100. Bin Amer with Adrie de Vries in the driver`s seat came smoothly along the rails to take charge of the running and Attiya’s ward never seemed to be in danger of being caught as he stepped up the pace after gaining control of the proceedings. Theeb took the second place ahead of Gayth.
George had another winner for the day when Danger (Paul King astride) recorded an exciting victory over stable mate Al Mujahez in the local bred Pure Arabian Handicap.
Hussain Ali Bukanan owned Cave Lion who had been running fair races in good company, bounced back to winning form in the 1,200 metres Thoroughbred Handicap.
Cave Lion who had finished way down the field in his previous start, lived up to expectations with a powerful run in the final furlong to win in thrilling fashion.
Capulet Monteque who was taken on a start to finish mission by jockey Arnaud Bouleau, failed to sustain his challenge beyond the distance post and surrendered meekly. Cave Lion who raced in a handy fourth position before entering the straight, came through with a flourishing run on the wide outside and went past the front runner. Gudwah also came with a big run to come into contention. The final furlong witnessed an engrossing battle between the two, but it was Cave Lion who got stronger at the finish to win by a neck. Jockey Marvin Suerland rode a perfect race on the winner.
