Qatar horse Munahis makes history in Scandinavian Derby

It was yet another proud moment for Qatar as HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani owned Munahis (Amer-Baheeja) recorded an emphatic victory in the Scandinavian Arabian Derby in Sweden on Saturday. Qatari owned horses have made their presence felt in the European circuit this season with numerous victories at various centres. This was yet another win which highlights the quality of breeding in Qatar.Munahis created history when he became the first ever GCC bred horse to win the Derby in Sweden. This was the first time that a Qatar owned horse was participating in a race in Sweden and it turned out to be a huge success as the Amer progeny stamped his class with a five length victory over Sweden’s Dratzan and Neira Royal. The DAK Dorenberg trained Munahis was ridden by Swedish champion jockey Fredrik Johannson to a smashing victory over a distance of 2,200 in the Derby which was  open to four-year-old Pure Arabians and run on the dirt track. Johannson who represented Europe in the Shergar Cup has won the German Derby twice and the Swedish Derby on many occasions. He gave a brilliant ride on the winner.This was incidentally the second straight victory for Munahis who had earlier won the Al Wathba Cup in Holland on July 22. The talented colt has been unbeaten in his two starts and seems to be in great form.