Sheikh Abdullah’s Marid won among the colts while Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Haffanah triumphed among the fillies

Qatar’s horses dominated the Arabian racing action at Saint-Cloud, near Paris, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani and Qatar Olympic Committee president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani.
Sheikh Abdullah’s Marid and Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Haffanah won the two Group 1 Arabian races at Saint-Cloud, a day before the action shifts to a newly-renovated Longchamp in the French capital for the annual Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The races at Saint-Cloud are held as part of the partnership between the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) and France Galop.
In the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Group 1 for three-year-old colts), Marid imposed himself in the 2000m contest.
Marid, who lined up as a favourite, stayed behind for a while and despite tough performances by other runners, he accelerated under jockey Olivier Peslier to be the nearest one to the finish line in the last metres before the post.
This was the second Group 1 victory for Antoine de Watrigant’s ward after his summer win in the Prix Kesberoy.
The Didier Guillemin-trained Deryan came second under jockey Mickael Barzalona while the Al Shaqab Racing-owned and Thomas Fourcy-saddled Shalaa completed the frame with Qatari jockey Faleh Bughenaim in the saddle.
Sheikh Joaan presented the owner’s trophy to Sheikh Abdullah, besides giving away trophies to the winning trainer and jockey.
Qatar’s first victory of the day was quickly followed by yet another win, this by with Al Haffanah landing the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (Group 1 for three-year-old fillies).
Thomas Fourcy-schooled filly dominated throughout the 2000m run and had no issues in landing the fillies title under jockey Julien Auge to remain unbeaten.
The F Sanchez-schooled Bayan was the runner-up under jockey Ioritz Mendizabal while Xavier Thomas Demeaulte’s ward Baseel came third under Barzalona.
After the fillies’ contest, Sheikh Abdullah presented the owner’s trophy to Sheikh Joaan.


His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani (second from left) lifts the trophy as HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (right) applauds after Marid, trained by Antoine de Watragant (third from right) and ridden by Olivier Peslier (third from left), won the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Group 1 PA) at Saint Cloud yesterday.


Olivier Peslier (right) rides His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani-owned Marid to victory in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Group 1 PA) at Saint Cloud yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim, Zuzanna Lupa


Julien Auge rides Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Haffanah to victory in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (Group 1 PA) at Saint Cloud yesterday.
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