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| Jockey David Bouland |
Jockey David Bouland completed a rare landmark, when he rode the Alban de Mieulle-trained Muntasar to an exciting victory at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club recently. The Frenchman fulfilled a cherished dream of riding 800 winners and joined an elite group of jockeys who have done this before him.
Bouland began his riding career at 16 and rode over 200 winners in France before embarking on his journey to Qatar. After displaying his riding potential, Bouland was contracted to ride for HH Sheikh Abdulllah bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Umm Qarn.
The success story of the Frenchman in Qatar began with his association with trainer de Mieulle. The duo went on win many classics and made a huge mark in the Qatar racing scene. Bouland went on to record 25 Group I race victories.
Bouland’s abilities to nurse a horse in the backstretch before riding powerfully in the straight were quite noticeable. This trait has given him over 550 victories in Qatar. He also has the unique distinction of being a seven-time leading jockey in Qatar.
The Frenchman has had multi classic winners astride Al Dahma, General, Nizam, Al Anood, Dahess, Majid Al Arab, Djemilia, Mugadir, Damis, Murhib and Al Tair, which were sporting the Umm Qarn colours.
Apart from Qatar, Bouland has tasted victories in England, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Turkey, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Tunisia.
“I am so lucky to have achieved this milestone. It has been a tremendous experience riding in Qatar. The quality of racing has improved vastly and it is great to see Qatar making its mark in the international arena,” Bouland told the Gulf Times.
Bouland rates Al Dahma as the best filly he has ever ridden. “Al Dahma was a sensational filly. I am glad that I had the opportunity to be a part of her success story. General, Nizam, Majd Al Arab, Damis, Mugadir and Murhib were the other horses which were brilliant performers too.”