Al Mamun Monlou gives Qatar its third Kahayla Classic win

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (right) with the Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al-Maktoum at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai yesterday.

By Chris Hoover/Dubai

This was the third victory for Qatar in the Kahayla Classic. After Al Shahania Stud’s Jaafer had won the event in 2010, Sheikh Joaan’s TM Fred Texas dominated the race in 2012. This victory further enhances Qatar’s reputation as the world’s best in the breeding of Pure Arabians. Qatar has already made its mark in the Qatar Arabian World Cup by winning the last four editions of the race in Paris.

Sporting the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, Jean Francois Bernard trained Al Mamun Monlau and Versac PY raced in the rear for most of the 2,000 metres trip after Areem set the early pace. Just before turning for home Versac PY under Paul Hanagan moved into top gear and then led the pack as they began the dash for the finishing line.

Versac PY, second in his previous two Group One races here during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, seemed to be finally set to clinch the coveted race. But with defending champion TM Fred Texas not able to strike the same form of last year, it was left to stable mate Al Mamun Monlau, to step in and engage Versac PY in a fierce battle for the top honours.

The two matched each other stride for stride and then in one final effort Al Mamun Monlau stuck his head out, much to the joy of his Qatari supporters who had gathered in big numbers. Jockey Christophe Soumillon rode a well judged race on the winner.

TM Fred Texas ran in third while his full brother TM Junior Johnson failed to impress finishing at the tail of the field.

For Al Mamun Monlau, after a great start which included a Group One and a Group three win, today’s Kahayla win ended a string of five losses and critics of his quirky behaviour will have surely been silenced.

“This was simply such an amazing race. We always believed in this horse and that he could adapt to the surface and take them all. We went into this race confident that Al Mamun Monlau would be the surprise package here and he has justified the faith we had on him,” Al Shaqab Racing representative Nasser Sharida al-Kaabi told the Gulf Times.

“This is also a great moment for Qatar and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani who has done very well as a owner. We are very happy with this victory and hope to win it again next year,” Mr Nasser added.

Jockey Soumillon was elated with the victory. “It was a perfect race for me. I followed Versac PY and when he went clear I switched between horses and chased after him. My horse had a lot of ground to make up but in the end he was very genuine to catch the leader in the last stride. What a fight it turned out to be at the finish. I’m so happy to be involved in such a race and with such a lovely horse,” the Frenchman said.

Winning trainer Jean Francois Bernard said: “Al Mamun Monlau is the best three-year-old in France and he liked it here from the day he arrived. He had a lot of gas left halfway round the turn and I thought he would finish well. Soumillon rode a great race and I am very happy.”

“This is such a strong field and it is a great reflection of this horse’s ability,” Bernard added.

Versac PY jockey Paul Hanagan said. “He ran very well.  He did everything right but just got nailed on the line. No excuses.”

TM Fred Texas rider Oliver Peslier was happy with the effort of his horse. “It was a nice race. It was a good pace. He ran well but the other two just had a little too much for him.”

A jubilant Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain said: “This is another great victory for Qatar and we are happy for HE Sheikh Joaan and his second victory in the Kahayla Classic.  I was expecting Al Mamun Monlau but was not sure whether the Tapeta surface would suit him. It definite suited him and made it another memorable day for Qatar in Dubai.

Below: Christophe Soumillon (left), riding Al Mamun Monlau, owned by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, races towards the finish line against Paul Hanagan, riding Versac Py of France, during the Dubai Kahayla Classic at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai yesterday. (Reuters)