Trained in France by Francois Rohaut, she was sent off the favourite.
Following 11 months off the track, Eternally, partnered by James Doyle, made a good impression coming second on her return to the racecourse. She finished a length and a quarter behind Al Jazi, ridden by Frankie Dettori.
The winner blanket on Al Jazi displayed the ‘Tamim al Majd’ image and even Dettori put on the image enthusiastically, after he performed a flying dismount to celebrate his first win of the week.
Dettori has had a torrid time with a shoulder injury and a stop start return to riding. But his season after victory at the weekend in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Enable followed by this success, has hit full stride.
“I would like to dedicate this race to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan (bin Hamad al-Thani),” the Italian said after the race. “Al Jazi won easy, travelled well, quickened and is uncomplicated. She has got a stride on her and for Goodwood that is ideal.
“She has a good cruising speed and a good kick. She put the race to bed straightaway. Friday and I have finally got on the score sheet. Qatar have sponsored the meeting and it is nice to get a winner on the board for my boss — I am happy now.
“It has been six weeks since my shoulder injury and I have been working hard at it. It is back to where it was now.”
Harry Herbert, racing manager for Al Shaqab, said, “She’s a specialist at this trip and at this racecourse, coming back to win this for the second year running.”
“For Francois Rohaut this is his treble up for Al Shaqab; he also won with Amy Eria three years ago. So it’s very special and good to get a win on the board.
“This is a really important week for us, and, apart from the weather, it has just gone so well. The atmosphere on this racecourse is so incredible.
“For Al Shaqab, of course, it is hugely important, and for Qatar, to have this win. Al Jazi was our best chance of the week and thankfully she’s gone and done it.
Looking ahead, the four-year-old Canford Cliffs’ filly, who previously ran in the Group One six-furlong Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, will probably return to top level company.
“I have not yet spoken with Francois about plans,” said Herbert. “But I’d imagine she’d go for the Foret, or something really good like that. When they are specialist over seven furlongs, there are not a huge number of options, and you get tempted like at Royal Ascot to go back in trip for the Diamond Jubilee.
“She actually ran very well at Ascot, but a race over six is over before it has begun for her; she does all her best work at the end.”
Long-awaited win this year: Khalifa al-Attiyah
Al Shaqab Racing executive director Khalifa bin Mohamed al-Attiyah was elated after Al Jazi won the Group Three seven-furlong L’Ormarins Queens Plate Oak Tree Stakes.
The win meant that Al Shaqab Racing had won the race for the third straight year with Amy Eria winning the 2015 edition.
“That was a long-waited win in this edition of the Festival,” al-Attiyah said yesterday. “But what is good and joyful about it is that it is Al Shaqab’s third win of this title in a row. We’ve won several titles twice, but this is our first hat-trick ever. And we’ll be back for the fourth title at Goodwood in 2018.
“Al Jazi’s performance was wonderful. Francois Rohaut won the same title with her last year. We look forward to more wins tomorrow with three runners, Shraaoh, Medahim and Mazyoun, for Al Shaqab, especially as the races bear the name of Qatar.”