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Al Shaqab Thursday hosted the opening day of the prestigious FEI Group VII Finals, marking the first time the event has been held in Qatar. The Longines Outdoor Arena welcomed the region’s top emerging riders for a landmark edition that highlights youth equestrian sport across the Middle East and North Africa.The Finals bring together the highest-ranked Children, Junior, and Young Riders from across Group VII following a year of dedicated qualification. Many of these young athletes are progressing along the official pathway toward the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, making this inaugural hosting a key milestone for both Qatar and the wider region.Riders from Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Algeria and Libya are competing in Doha, creating one of the strongest and most diverse Group VII line-ups to date.Day one featured one open class and three FEI classes, each demanding technical precision, rhythm, and control. In the CSIYJ-A Special Two-Phase (274.2.5) — 1.20m, Mohammed Eisa al-Bukhari claimed first place, with Abdalla Hamad Ali al-Kirbi and Saleh Mufrrej Ali Mohamed al-Karbi completing the podium.Commenting on the opening day, Khalid Sanad al-Naimi, Event Director at Al Shaqab, said:"Today marks a proud and historic moment for Al Shaqab and for equestrian sport in the region. Hosting the FEI Group VII Finals in Qatar for the first time reflects our commitment to youth development, excellence, and elevating the competitive landscape across the Middle East and North Africa. The performances on Day 1 highlight the strength of the next generation of riders."

The third season of the Al Shaqab League, Qatar’s premier showjumping competition – began Thursday. The championship is dedicated to nurturing young talent and elevating the standards of the national equestrian scene.The first day of Round 1, held at the Longines Indoor Arena, featured four exciting classes — Intro 2 (60 cm), Future Champions (110/115 cm), Junior Champions (120/125 cm), and Youth Champions (130/135 cm) — as riders competed under Optimum Time and Table A formats.Khalid Sanad al-Naimi, Event Director, at Al Shaqab, said: “The Al Shaqab League represents our enduring commitment to empowering Qatar’s emerging riders and providing them with a pathway to achieve excellence in equestrian sport. Each season reflects our vision of shaping a new generation of athletes who combine skill, discipline, and passion — embodying Al Shaqab’s mission to inspire, educate, and elevate.”Building on the success of its previous editions, the Al Shaqab League serves as a unique platform that bridges local development with global ambition, offering riders of all levels — from juniors and amateurs to professionals — the opportunity to compete, learn, and excel in a world-class environment that reflects the highest standards of the sport.This season will span four main rounds, with the first round also being held today and Saturday. The second round will be held on December 26 and 27, while the third round is scheduled for April 17 and 18, 2026. The final round will be held on May, 21 and 23, 2026.

Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced the launch of the second edition of the Al Shaqab League, the premier showjumping competition that aims to develop young equestrian talent, refine the skills of Qatar’s riders, and strengthen the nation’s position on the international equestrian stage.The Al Shaqab League serves as a unique platform that combines sporting development with world-class competition, providing riders of all levels — from juniors and amateurs to professionals — with the opportunity to gain experience and grow within a professional and inspiring environment.Mohammed Jaber al-Khayareen, Director of the Equine Education Department, stated: “The Al Shaqab League reflects our commitment to supporting emerging riders and empowering them to achieve their dreams in the world of equestrian sport. This championship serves as a true bridge between local development and global ambition, embodying Al Shaqab’s vision of building a new generation of champions.”The League will take place at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab across four main rounds:Round 1 (powered by Dreama) – November 14–15,Round 2 – December 26–27,Round 3 – April 17–18,and the Final Round – May 21–23, 2026.In its second season, the Al Shaqab League continues to uphold the values of excellence, empowerment, and progress — from Doha to the world — embodying the spirit of equestrianism as an integral part of Qatar’s cultural and sporting identity.

The second day of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show witnessed another round of impressive performances at the Longines Outdoor Arena, as young fillies and colts competed in the qualifying classes for two- and three-year-old categories. Supported by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), day two event featured over 90 horses, including notable participation from studs across Qatar and the region. In the Yearling Colts 4A category, Dandon KL, owned by Kaheel Stud, secured first place. DStoor Al Sraiya, owned by Al Sraiya Stud, placed second, while Shakhat Al Shahania of Al Shahania Stud finished third. Meanwhile, in the Yearling Colts 4B category, first place went to Yazeed Mudhar, owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani, while Nahar Abher took second and Thayir Al Thamer placed third. In the Junior Fillies 5A category, Shaella Al Wajba, owned by Al Wajba Stud, took first place, followed by Tulan Al Shahania of Al Shahania Stud in second, and ES Dalma, owned by Sons of Mubark Bin Hindi al-Khaldi, in third. In the Junior Fillies 5B category, Sawsan Al Shaqab of Al Shaqab Stud, secured first place. FH Sophia Lorhan, owned by Nayif Nasser M A al-Dosari, finished second, while T A Ndawi, owned by Sons of Mubark Bin Hindi al-Khaldi, placed third. The Junior Fillies 5C category saw Durra Al Khor, owned by Al Khor Stud, claim first place, followed by Roma in second, and Aryana HA in third. The Junior Colts 6A category concluded with Yulib Al Shahania, owned by HE Sheikha Iman Mohamed KH al-Thani, in first place, Santorini in second, and KH Habs in third. The championship, which runs until November 8, is held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab; and under the supervision of the European Conference of Arabian Horse Organisations (ECAHO) as a B-International Show, giving winners the opportunity to advance to major international title shows. Khalid al-Jehani, Director of Breeding and of Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show, said: Qatar has become a global voice in shaping the future of Arabian horse championships. At Al Shaqab, we remain committed to preserving the authentic heritage of the Arabian horse, while elevating international standards in event organisation and horse welfare. The model established here is now recognised worldwide, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading reference in the world of equine beauty and tradition.” The final show will take place today, where Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners will be announced across all divisions.

Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Wakrah yesterday produced a trademark turn of foot to win the Umm Bab Cup, a Purebred Arabian Open Race for four-year-old+ over 1600m. At the Al Rayyan Racecourse, the seven-year-old mare, expertly guided by Olivier d’Andigne, settled patiently behind the early leaders before unleashing a blistering run in the home straight to secure victory. Trained by Jean de Mieulle, Al Wakrah notched her third consecutive win and the 11th of her career, delivering a third triumph of the day for her connections. The winners were presented with their awards by Head of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Racing Operations Section Rashid Saed Adiba. Results 8th Al Rayyan Race Meeting – Umm Bab Cup WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) 1 - Umm Bab Cup, Purebred Arabian Open Race Al Wakrah, Jean de Mieulle, Olivier d'Andigne 2 - Thoroughbred Handicap (80-100) Thor's Hammer, Jassim al-Ghazali, Marco Casamento 3 - Purebred Arabian Handicap Sejjel, Jean de Mieulle, Faleh Bughenaim 4 - Local Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate, 3YOs, 1400m Masaad, Alban de Mieulle, Soufiane Saadi 5 - Purebred Arabian Handicap Duke Of Monlau, Mohammed al-Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi 6 - Local Thoroughbred Handicap Barq Al Atam, Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki, Tomas Lukasek 7 - Thoroughbred Maiden Plate Brandywine Falls, Abdulla al-Mulla, Jefferson Smith 8 - Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate Shayeg, Jean de Mieulle, Faleh Bughenaim

The 5th Qatar Arabian Horse Show for Local Bred, organised by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), began at Al Shaqab on Sunday. The three-day will see action for various categories for junior mares and fillies, yearling colts and fillies, and senior stallions and mares with the championship classes being held on Tuesday.

Al Shaqab Training Show will take place this Friday, October 10, from 3pm to 8pm at the Longines Indoor Arena, Al Shaqab announced Sunday. This event serves as an important platform to showcase the talents of aspiring riders and prepare them for the upcoming season’s competitions, including the prestigious Al Shaqab League.The Training Show is designed as a vital stage that empowers riders to gain practical experience in a safe and motivating competitive environment. It combines both educational and competitive aspects, aligning with Al Shaqab’s vision of developing a new generation of riders capable of representing Qatar in regional and international championships.Commenting on the event, Mohammed al-Khayareen, Director of the Equestrian Education Department at Al Shaqab, said: "At Al Shaqab, we place great emphasis on providing a comprehensive educational environment for our riders. The Training Show is a key step in this journey. It not only offers riders valuable hands-on experience but also helps them face real challenges with greater confidence. Through such initiatives, we aim to nurture ambitions, sharpen skills, and enhance opportunities for reaching podiums while raising Qatar’s flag high on the global stage."The competition will feature several categories of varying levels, tailored to suit different ages and abilities, including 40cm, 60cm, 80cm, 100cm, 110cm and 120 cm. A large number of Al Shaqab riders are expected to participate, showcasing the progress and skills they have been working hard to develop in recent weeks before both the audience and the judging panel.Al Shaqab in a statement said: “Al Shaqab’s management is committed to making this event more than just a sporting competition. It is envisioned as a holistic experience that combines education, inspiration, and entertainment. Spectators will enjoy the riders’ outstanding performances while also gaining insight into the significant effort invested in their training—reflecting Al Shaqab’s mission to instill values of discipline, teamwork, and commitment in all participants.”“The presence of spectators plays a pivotal role in motivating and encouraging riders. It provides them with the extra boost to give their best and instills perseverance and determination. The support of families and friends in the stands creates an ideal atmosphere that inspires riders to face challenges with confidence and leaves a lasting impact on their journey toward success.”Al Shaqab said it is inviting all equestrian enthusiasts in Qatar to seize this opportunity and join for an exceptional sporting evening filled with excitement and thrill. The Training Show promises captivating show jumping competitions that highlight precision, strength, and the harmony between horse and rider.

Al Shaqab Racing’s Hajmah triumphed in the Gr1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments and Wathnan Racing’s First Look delivered a commanding performance to claim the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Dollar, defeating a strong field with authority on the first of the QREC-sponsored Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend meetings at ParisLongchamp Racecourse in Paris Saturday.The races were held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.The card featured nine races, including three Group 1 and three Group 2 contests and witnessed impressive Qatari victories that continued the winning momentum from Thursday’s Saint-Cloud meeting, where Al Shaqab Racing and Al Wasmiyah Racing landed two Group 1 Arabian contests.Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, QREC Chairman, presented the trophy of the Gr 1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments to HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan al-Thani, after a brilliant victory by Hajmah.Hajmah, the talented four-year-old filly, added another top-level victory to her record by winning the Gr 1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments – Pouliches 4 ans over 2,000m. The race was for four-year-old Purebred Arabian fillies and featured a field of 15 runners. Trained by Thomas Fourcy, ridden by Fabrice Veron, and bred and owned by Al Shaqab Racing, Hajmah continues to show her consistency at the highest level, following her previous Gr 1 (PA) Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 ans success against the colts. This also marked a double for trainer François Rohaut, who won the colts’ edition earlier on the card.Soon in rear in three-wide position behind Hm Al Zalmaa in a race led by Intisar De Monlau at an even pace, Hajmah travelled nicely while positions remained unchanged. Entering the final straight, Soumillon, like Saturday at Saint-Cloud, beautifully anticipated the lift of the pace and guided Hajmah up on the outside to get close to the leaders.With Intisar starting to tire, Hajmah took the lead alongside Chdia, both going clear with Geneva and Lacaro Du Croate a length behind but well clear of the rest. After a long battle in the final stages, Hajmah proved the strongest, winning by a short head over Chdia, while Geneva took third.First Look, a talented four-year-old gelding, showed great courage and class to land the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Dollar over 2,000m, a race for 3yo and older, on a competitive field of nine runners.The Wathnan Racing-owned runner came into this contest on the back of a Gr 3 Prix Gontaut-Biron win at Deauville, and is now a Group 2 winner for the first time.Trained by André Fabre and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, First Look continues to build an impressive record in middle-distance events. Quickly away from the gates, First Look settled just behind the leaders in a race led by Rqshabar with Uthred in second. Travelling strongly, he held third in the false straight, just ahead of Swagman, Bright Picture and the favourite Bay City Roller.Entering the final straight, the gelding looked full of running and still unasked for maximum effort. He moved into second as the long-time leader began to fade and soon took command, cruising while Bay City Roller closed quickly on the outside and Bright Picture challenged on the inside. Inside the final 300m, First Look remained in front, but Bright Picture and Bay City Roller kept up the pressure. In the last 100m, First Look dug deep to find extra and held on to win by a length and a quarter, with Bright Picture taking third.In the day’s opener, Tennessee, a high-class 3yo colt, proved his stamina in style when winning the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Chaudenay at ParisLongchamp, a race for three-year-olds over 3,000m that attracted a select field of seven.Trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien, owned by the powerful partnership of Westerberg, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, and John Magnier, and ridden with confidence by stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, Tennessee displayed courage and authority to secure his second career Group win.Caballo De Mar, a tough and progressive four-year-old gelding, produced a powerful staying performance to land the Gr 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran over 4,000m. The race, open to four-year-olds and up, featured a small field of eight, including five supplemented runners. Coming just 13 days after his easy Gr 3 victory in the Deutsches St Leger, Caballo De Mar handled the step up in class and trip impressively to secure his first Gr 1 success.Earlier in the day, Ridari, a three-year-old colt, confirmed his rising star status with a commanding victory in the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein over 1,600m. Open to horses aged three and older, the race featured a competitive field of ten, but Ridari showed composure and class to take the lead and dominate. The colt returned this season with a win in the Gr 3 Prix de Fontainebleau and has now stepped up to claim his first Group 2 success.Trained by Mikel Delzangles, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, and owned by Aga Khan Studs SCEA, Ridari is establishing himself as one of the top milers of his generation. Consent, a progressive three-year-old filly, delivered a career-best performance to capture the Gr 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu. The staying contest, run over 2800m for fillies and mares aged three and up, featured a strong field of 12, but Consent rose to the challenge in style to secure her first Group 1 success.Runner-up last time out in the Gr 2 Betfred Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes over 2,900m at Doncaster, where she finished a neck behind Santorini Star despite travelling powerfully throughout, Consent confirmed her upward curve with this victory on Arc weekend.Trained with patience and precision by Sir Mark Prescott, confidently ridden by Luke Morris, and racing in the silks of Denford Stud, she proved herself a top-class stayer.Behind the leaders but wide from her draw, she eased into second, tracking Santorini Star (Golden Horn). Entering the final straight, her jockey kept her relaxed, conserving energy. She moved to the front inside the last 400m, still going easily, and then quickened decisively in the final furlong to pull away and win by four and a half lengths. Santorini Star rallied for second, with Rabbit’s Foot taking third.The final day of the festival at ParisLongchamp will feature nine thrilling races, including seven Group 1 events Sunday, making it a premier global racing fixture and a gathering of the world’s elite horses. Undoubtedly, the spotlight will be on the two main events: the third race on the card, the Qatar Arabian World Cup, carrying €1mn in prize money, and the fourth, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, offering €5mn in total prizes.The first race is the Gr1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac for 2-year-old fillies over 1,600m, featuring nine fillies, including Aylin representing Al Shaqab Racing and Amo Racing.The programme continues with the Gr1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère, a 1,400m contest for 2-year-old colts, also featuring nine runners. Next up is the Prix De l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines over 1,000m for 2-year-olds and up, with 19 horses in the field, including Night Raider, owned by Wathnan Racing, and Afjan, representing Al Shaqab Racing.The fourth race is the highly anticipated Gr1 Qatar Arabian World Cup, part of the Doha Triple Crown, featuring 12 horses aged 4 and up over 2,000m.Among the contenders is Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Ghadeer, aiming for a historic third consecutive win in this race and the Triple Crown.However, he will face a number of other top-class horses also vying for the global title, including Wathnan Racing’s RB Mary Lylah, Al Shaqab Racing’s duo of AL Zwair and Luwsail, Abdulla bin Fahad al-Attiyah’s Ch’ezza, Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Moshrif and Mansour bin Khalil al-Shahwani’s Nabucco Al Maury.The spotlight then shifts to the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the 2,400m showpiece for three-year-olds and upwards, which has drawn a field of 18. The market is headed by three leading contenders: Minnie Hauk, Aventure and Kalpana.Minnie Hauk, trained by Aidan O’Brien and the mount of Christophe Soumillon, has made six career starts, finishing runner-up on debut before reeling off five straight victories, the last three at Group 1 level. Aventure, from the yard of Christophe Ferland and partnered by Maxime Guyon, brings a strong résume of victories and high placings in Group company, most recently landing the Gr1 Qatar Prix Vermeille.The programme also features the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Opéra for fillies and mares aged three and older over 2,000m, with 12 declared, among them One Look carrying the Wathnan Racing colours. Over 1,400m, the Gr1 Qatar Prix de la Forêt has drawn a field of 16, including extra, also representing Wathnan Racing. Eighteen 3-year-old and older runners line up for the competitive Qatar Grand Handicap des Flyers over 1,400m.The curtain comes down with the Qatar Prix de la Place de l’Etoile over 2,000m, which has attracted 17 contenders. The Qatar Prix La Forêt Group 1 for Thoroughbreds aged 3 and above over 1400m has 16 runners, including Extra owned by Wathnan Racing.

Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced the organisation of the third edition of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show, supported by Daam, to be held from November 5 to 8, 2025. The event will take place under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab, marking a significant milestone in the calendar of Arabian horse beauty competitions in Qatar and the region. This year’s show will combine elegance with the exceptional beauty of Arabian horses, taking place across Al Shaqab’s indoor and outdoor arenas. The event reflects Al Shaqab’s mission to support the development and promotion of purebred Arabian horses locally and internationally while highlighting their rich cultural heritage within Qatari society. The competition holds special significance as it is internationally recognised and classified as Category (B), conducted under the supervision of the European Conference of Arabian Horse Organisations (ECAHO), providing participants the opportunity to qualify for higher-ranked international championships. Previous editions have successfully attracted prominent horse owners and exceptional horses from Qatar and abroad, alongside a strong public turnout, demonstrating the deep passion for equestrian sports within the Qatari community. Al Shaqab has also announced that registration for the upcoming edition will be open from September 14 to 25, 2025, inviting horse owners from around the world to participate in this prestigious event, which has become a highlight on the international equestrian competition calendar. Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab has focused on preserving the heritage of Arabian horses in Qatar and promoting them both culturally and athletically. The organization continues to strive to be a leading global destination for equestrian enthusiasts and professionals, while offering a unique, interactive experience for the community.

Al Shaqab Racing’s Sahlan produced a career best performance to win the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp during the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) sponsored Qatar Arc Trials in Paris Sunday. QREC Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah presented trophies to the winners of the day’s feature races. The card featured nine races in total, including five group contests, all run under the banner of Qatar, with each race brimming with quality, excitement and fierce competition. Al-Attiyah presented trophies for the Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon (Group 1) for Purebred Arabians — a key prep for the Qatar Arabian World Cup — which was won by HM Alchahine, owned by Helal Alalawi. In addition, he awarded the prizes for the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Group 1) for Thoroughbred fillies, claimed by Aventure, representing the colours of Wertheimer & Frère. Sahlan, the fast-improving 3-year-old colt, delivered the best performance of his career when capturing the Gr.1 Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp over 1600m.The prestigious race, open to 3-year-olds and older, assembled a high-class field of 12 runners. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, ridden by Mickaël Barzalona, and owned and bred by Al Shaqab Racing, the homebred colt came into the race full of confidence after his stylish victory in the Gr.3 Prix Daphnis – Samuel Liberman at Deauville. He has now confirmed himself at the very top level. HM Alchahine wins Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon HM Alchahine, a powerful 5-year-old colt, produced a sparkling performance to win the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon. Hardly asked a question by his rider, he cantered home under a hands-and-heels ride to secure the second Group 1 success of his career. Trained by Mme Jean-François Bernard, ridden by Cristian Demuro, and owned by Helal Alalawi, Hm Alchahine came into the race off a victory in the Gr.2 (PA) over 1600m at Hamburg-Horn, adding to his earlier Gr.2 and Gr.1 wins this season. This latest triumph confirmed his position among the very best of the Purebred Arabian division. Byzantine Dream claims Qatar Prix Foy title Japanese challenger Byzantine Dream made his trip to Paris worthwhile with a gutsy victory in the Gr.2 Qatar Prix Foy at Longchamp, run over 2400m with a field of nine for 4yo and upwards. Trained by Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, ridden by Oisin Murphy, and owned by Kazumi Yoshida, the four-year-old colt has already built a strong reputation over staying trips, most notably when landing the Gr.2 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap in February in Riyadh, a race that carried a winner’s prize of £1,200,000. Dropping back to 2400m here, he showed both class and determination to add another prestigious trophy to his record. As expected, Mont St Michel set a strong pace in front, with his stablemate Los Angeles (Camelot) tracking closely behind. Byzantine Dream was settled in sixth on the inside, waiting patiently. Entering the final straight, the colt looked full of running but was searching for a gap. Up ahead, Los Angeles battled with Sosie, but inside the last 250m Byzantine Dream finally saw daylight. Quickening sharply, he joined Sosie for a thrilling fight inside the final 100m. Brave and determined, the Japanese raider edged ahead near the post to win by half a length. Sosie had to settle for second, while Almaqam finished strongly to take third. Aventure books Arc ticket with dominant Qatar Prix Vermeille triumph Aventure, a progressive 4-year-old mare, stamped her class with a decisive success in the Gr.1 Qatar Prix Vermeille. The 2400m contest, a key prep race for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, brought together six high-class fillies and mares. Trained by Christophe Ferland, ridden by Maxime Guyon, and carrying the colours of her breeders Wertheimer & Frère, Aventure has been in sparkling form all season. Victorious in a Gr.3 over 2000m on her seasonal return, she followed up with a Gr.2 win over 2100m, before finishing second in a strong renewal of the Gr.1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. With this Vermeille victory, she now heads confidently towards the Arc as one of France’s leading hopes. Cualificar secures Qatar Prix Niel in last stride Cualificar, a 3-year-old colt with a sparkling season behind him, produced a decisive late surge to win the Gr.2 Qatar Prix Niel. The 2400m trialbrought together a field of eight colts, all aiming for a ticket to the Arc. Trained by André Fabre, ridden by William Buick, and owned by Godolphin, Cualificar has been one of the standout performers of his generation this season. Victorious in two Gr.3 contests over 1800m in the spring, he then ran a huge race to finish a close second in the Gr.1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, beaten only half a length. This win over 2400m confirms his place among the best middle-distance colts in Europe.

Afjan showed courage and speed to win the Gr.3 Prix d’Arenberg over 1000m at ParisLongchamp. The race, for two-year-olds, brought together ten colts and fillies.Racing in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Henri-François Devin and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the colt was coming off a very good second place in the Gr.3 Prix de Cabourg at Deauville over 1200m. This time, he got his reward and became a Group winner.Settled in midfield, but always in touch, Afjan travelled nicely in a race run at a strong pace, with Stargazed and Shine On Me cutting out the running. Gradually improving into fifth, Afjan was only a length behind the leaders as they came under pressure, still going well under Soumillon, who was motionless in the saddle.Asked for more inside the final 300m, Afjan quickened strongly to join the front rank, battling with Shine On Me and the favourite Havana Anna. In a thrilling finish, he stayed on powerfully to edge ahead in the closing stages, holding off the rallying Havana Anna by a nose. Shine On Me finished third, clear of the remainder.Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Afjan is out of Al Johrah, who won twice over 1000m at two and was placed twice in Gr.2 races over 1000m and 1100m. He is a half-brother to Faleh, a winner over 1000m at three. Al Johrah is out of Bea Remembered, who was placed at Listed level and is a half-sister to Stormy Antarctic, a dual Gr.2 winner and multiple Gr.3 winner, as well as to Balsam, a Listed winner over 1000m at two.