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Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas), a seasoned 7-year-old Purebred Arabian mare, showed her class once again to win the Gr.2 (PA) French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Sprint over 1400m at Bordeaux on Monday evening. The race drew eight runners, but Al Wakrah’s experience and determination secured her another Group (PA) title by the narrowest of margins. Trained by Jean De Mieulle, ridden by Olivier d’Andigné, and carrying the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, Al Wakrah added to an already impressive record that includes victory in the Gr.3 (PA) Premio UAE President Cup at San Sebastián in her previous outing, a second-place finish in a Gr.2 (PA) in Germany and a Gr.1 (PA) winner in the Qatar International Cup over 1400m at Al Uqda. This marks her fifth Group (PA) success. Soon in midfield in a race led by Zakyna Al Zarayan (Al Mamun Monlau), Al Wakrah was positioned just ahead of her main danger, Haseef (Al Mourtajez), owned by Wathnan Racing. The early tempo was even, but not fast, with Al Wakrah travelling smoothly in fifth while a small break formed behind her where Haseef and Ghaidaa (Muraaqib) raced at the rear. As the sprint began approaching the final stretch, Al Wakrah was switched to the outside and ridden forward while Kamun Du Nil (Al Mamun Monlau) briefly took the lead. Moving quickly into second with only one left to pass, she accelerated strongly inside the final 200m, taking the lead. D’Andigné looked to his right for a challenger, but danger came on his left as Haseef surged late, finishing strongly, but failing by a short head. Al Wakrah held on gamely, Haseef finished second and Ghaidaa ran on for third. Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Al Wakrah is out of Majida (Majd Al Arab), runner-up in a Listed (PA) race over 1400m at five and third in a Gr.3 (PA) over 2000m at four. She is a half-sister to Ghadah (Azadi), winner of a Gr.1 (PA) over 2000m at four and a Gr.3 (PA) over the same distance, and to Subahiyah (Mahabb), third in a Gr.1 (PA)over 2000m at three.

Al Wakrah Municipality's Services Affairs Department (Gardens Section) carried out a field campaign during the April-August period to reduce the spread of mosquitoes, as part of the “My City is Civilised” initiative to maintain a healthy and safe environment. The campaign included removal of harmful weeds, pruning and planting mosquito-repelling trees, and treating potential mosquito breeding sites in six main areas covering 54 blocks. A total of 161 trees were pruned, 556 neglected trees were removed, and 47 sites were cleared of harmful weeds. In addition, the Health Control Section conducted 2,421 inspection tours during August 25-31, resulting in the closure of one food establishment, the issuance of two violations, and the disposal of 154 unfit food items. Further, 5,250kg of fish were inspected at Al Wakrah market, of which about 25kg was destroyed, and 12 samples sent to the central laboratory for checking.

Al Arabi opened their 2025-2026 QSL Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Al Wakrah in the first round at Al Shamal Stadium Tuesday while Al Ahli and Al Duhail played out a goalless draw at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium.Al Arabi found the net through U-23 player Salem Reda in the 8th minute, Pablo Sarabia in the 41st, and Marwan Sherif in the 50th minute. Al Wakrah’s lone goal came from substitute Redouane Berkane in the 81st minute.Al Ahli and Al Duhail battled hard but weren’t able to break the deadlock, eventually settling for the stalemate.In the opening half, Al Ahli were a bit more forceful and even had a few chances but were not able to convert any.The second session saw Al Duhail push harder but luck eluded them as in the 54th minute an Adil Boulbina kick went on to hit the crossbar.The match was also marked by some rough tackles with Al Ahli picking up 4 yellow cards and Al Duhail 2.Today, four matches will be played, with Al Khor facing Al Bidda SC and Al Shahania taking on Al Sailiya in simultaneous kick-offs. Al Shamal will meet Umm Salal, while Al Rayyan will face Qatar SC in the day’s later fixtures.