It’s Fouladh all the way in Sheikh Abdullah Trophy

Special Adviser to the Emir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani (third from left), QREC chairman HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani (third from right) are seen with the winners of the Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy yesterday.By Chris Hoover/DohaAlban de Mieulle trained Fouladh (Amer-Jaljalah) won the QR1mn Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy, a local bred Pure Arabian contest for four year olds and over, in splendid fashion, beating the opposition pointless in front of a capacity crowd at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Fouladh is owned by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani and bred at Umm Qarn. One could not spot a super star among the 11 contestants but at the end of the race there was one in the form of Fouladh. The sensational victory of the Umm Qarn champion marks him out as a champion with a future.  Trainer de Mieulle was delighted with the performance of Fouladh who had vindicated his high expectations. “I was pretty confident that Fouladh would put up a spirited performance. He is an amazing horse and he has proved today that he is a true champion. His turn of foot and finish is exceptional. I am very pleased with this performance and I am sure he will be the one to beat in the big race in February,” he said.The Umm Qarn trainer was disappointed with the loss in the Pure Arabian race where Farraaha lost out to Al Shahania Stud’s Al Anga in the last stride of the race. “I was a bit disappointed with the result of the previous race as jockey Stephane told me that Farraaha was travelling very well and he took off a little too early. Farraaha stopped at the finish line and we lost a certain race. He is capable of doing better in his next run,” he said.Jockey Convertino who rode out four winners was delighted with the performance of Fouladh. “I work Fouladh during the morning workout and I knew what he is capable of. He is simply fantastic and has a big heart. It is not all about power with Fouladh. When he has to go, Fouladh just switches gears and moves like a car. I am very happy with this win and I am looking forward to HH The Emir’s Sword race.” Julian Smart saddled Al Anga  won the Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup in thrilling fashion from Farraaha. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani owned Al Anga was ridden in exemplary manner by in form jockey Harry Bentley who did not put a step wrong while guiding Al Shahania Stud’s classic prospect to an exciting win. Farraaha had assumed command and looked set to land the spoils in the QR 200,000 event, but was caught short by the finishing burst of Al Anga.

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani (right) presents the Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup to Al Shahania Stud general manager Abdulrahman al-Mansoor after Al Anga’s win at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim

Though dismayed at the performance of his wards in the feature event, trainer Smart was elated with the victory of Al Anga. “Any time we come against Umm Qarn, it is a fierce competition. It was nice to win with Al Anga as she is a nice filly. At half way down the straight we were behind a wall of horses but jockey Bentley did well to win here. Bentley is on fire and it is good to have a jockey of his caliber. We are looking forward to the next one where we will have Assy. It will be a good match up as Fouladh is very very good.”After finishing second in his previous two outings, Hassan al-Matwi’s Majd Al Uraiq produced a winning gallop in the Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Silver Cup, a race for four year old Pure Arabians. TM Reagan Bret set the pace with Al Safi in close proximity. Majd Al Uraiq was in the rear group. Al Safi came the shortest way home and shot ahead inside the final 300 metres with Coinvertino getting busy on Majd Al Uraiq. Once alerted to the task on hand, Majd Al Uraiq sprouted a pair of wings and sailed clear from the field to win by a widening margin of over two lengths.Sheikh Nasser bin Abdullah bin Nasser al-Thani owned Amico Mio recorded an encore in impressive style in the 2,000 metres Thoroughbred Conditions race. The eight-year-old looked impressive in the paddock parade, handled the conditions well and swept past the field in the final furlong to win with ease from Lancelot who came from a long way to finish a notable second ahead of Qatar debutant Quel Avantage. Lancelot and Quel Avantage could profit from this outing for the forthcoming classics.Jassim al-Ghazali trained Roman Legend came up with a powerful charge from the deep and got the better of front running Scargill to claim the Thoroughbred Conditions race for three year olds. Jockey Gerald Avranche came with another brilliant effort on the saddle to steer the Ghazali trainee to victory.Umm Qarn bred Bahjah (Majd Al Arab-Kachia) scored a bloodless win in the local bred Pure Arabian Maiden Plate. The daughter of Majd Al Arab left the field stranded in the final furlong with splendid acceleration and won pulling up. Jockey Pier Convertino rode the de Mieulle trainee with calm assurance and was unhurried in his approach. Bahjah looks to be a good type of youngster, who is capable of climbing up the ranks pretty soon.De Mieulle who saddled Bahjah, had a double for the day when Baaria came up with a powerful run in the final furlong and got the measure of front running Al Mazrooah to win the Local Thoroughbred Conditions race, run over 1,400 metres. Unable to match strides with the winner, Al Mansoor was second ahead of Sraab.Majid Safedeen schooled Mojave Desert who had run a forward race in her previous outing had no problem in disposing off the opponents in the 1,600 metres Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 65 to 85. The speedy daughter of Shamardal finished way ahead of second placed Perigueux and Marked Card.