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Taymoor Al Shahania displayed impressive grit to capture the Qetaifan Cup, a Purebred Arabian Conditions race for three-year-old+ run over 1200m at Al Uqda Racecourse Saturday. The four-year-old bay colt, owned by Al Bida Racing and trained by Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, shadowed the longtime leader before unleashing a perfectly timed run under Alberto Sanna, snatching victory in the final strides by a short head from a valiant Naseeb Zakhir. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi presented the trophies to the winning connections.The meeting witnessed a total of nine thrilling races with action set to resume on Wednesday at Al Rayyan Racecourse featuring the Ras Laffan Cup.RESULTS 14th Al Uqda Race Meeting -Qetaifan Cup WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) 1 - Qetaifan Cup - Purebred Arabian Conditions (Class 2) Taymoor Al Shahania, Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, Alberto Sanna 2 - Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-65) Moharb, Jassim al-Ghazali, Marco Casamento 3 - Purebred Arabian Handicap (65-85) Duke Of Monlau, Mohammed al-Ghazali, Damien Morin 4 - Thoroughbred Handicap 55-75 Mawhob, Mohammed Ahmed al-Hajri, Salman Fahad al-Hajri 5 - Thoroughbred Handicap (55-75) Far Shot, Mohammed Hassan al-Matwi, Salman Fahad al-Hajri 6 - Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (0-65) Thahan, Saeed al-Shafi, Tomas Lukasek 7 - Local Thoroughbred Rated Maiden Plate Muraykh, Owaida Salem Al Hajri, Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri 8 - Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60) Thunder Valley, Hadi al-Ramzani, Damien Morin 9 - Thoroughbred Handicap (0-70) Ghassan, Eng. Osama Omer al-Dafea, Gavin Matt Ryan

The Purebred Arabian Show Horse Auction, organized by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) under the chairmanship of Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, concluded at Al Shaqab on Saturday.The three-day event had a total of 108 horses offered on sale. Forty-four were sold on the opening day, followed by 37 on the second, with the remainder being bid for during the final session. According to the list issued by the Auction Committee, chaired by Saad Ali al-Kubaisi, total sales reached QR1,559,000.Prices varied according to demand, with the top lot being Alshumous Al Shaqab, owned by Al Shaqab and purchased by owner Mohammed al-Hashim for QR270,000. The auction drew strong participation thanks to the quality and distinction of the horses presented, giving purchasers an opportunity to acquire bloodlines from prominent farms and studs such as Al Shaqab, Al Rayyan and Al Nasser across various categories including colts, fillies, mares and stallions.The event also featured a range of family activities held at Al Shaqab’s indoor arena, where visitors enjoyed the atmosphere of the auction and accompanying entertainment.

Nerci D confirmed his progress with a victory in the Gr.3 (PA) Prix Mushrae at Toulouse, a 1600m contest for three-year-old Purebred Arabian colts.The race brought together a field of eight, and the promising colt showed class to record his first Group (PA) success.Trained by Thomas Fourcy, ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay, and carrying the colours of Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari, Nerci D was making his first start for these new connections, having previously been trained and owned elsewhere.He came into the race on the back of a confidence-boosting win in the Prix Saint-Laurent, a conditions race over the same trip last month, where he broke his maiden.After a good start, Nerci D settled in fourth, racing upside MN Hattan in a race led by Ghazan du Soleil. The pace was even throughout the back straight, with positions remaining unchanged as the runners began to quicken turning for home.While several rivals came under pressure in the final bend, Nerci D was still travelling well. Entering the straight, he switched to the outside of the long-time leader to launch his challenge. Inside the final 300 metres, he moved into the lead, going a length clear, but inside the final 150 metres, Alibaba du Nil made a strong bid on his inside, with MN Hattan closing on the outside. Showing courage, Nerci D found more and held on gamely to win by half a length. MN Hattan stayed on for second, while Alibaba du Nil took a close third.Bred by Daniel Stud, Nerci D is out of Neige Al Maury, a dual winner over 2400m at five in the UK. She is a half-sister to the top-class No Risk Al Maury, a dual Gr.1 (PA) winner over 2000m at five and six, and a five-time Gr.2 (PA) winner between 1600m and 2000m from ages five to nine.

Grace Secret claimed the Asherij Cup for three-year-old+ Local Purebred Arabian fillies and mares at the Al Rayyan racecourse Wednesday.The three-year-old bay filly recorded an impressive 3½-length victory on her seasonal debut to notch her second career win in just her third start, showing plenty more to give for owner Umm Al Shukhut Farm and trainer Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed.She was partnered by jockey Alberto Sanna, who completed a double on the day, winning both the first and final races of the day. Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, crowned the winners. Sanna won the card opener – Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60) – with Injaaz Stud-owned and Jihad El Ahmad-trained Estithmar.Jockey Soufiane Saadi also completed a double on the day as he guided Naseeb Zakhir, in the colours of Osama Omer al-Dafea, to victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate for three-year-old+. Saadi was in the winners’ enclosure in the fifth race of the day when he rode Faleh Suwayed al-Ajami’s Studio City to the Thoroughbred Handicap (60-80) for the three-year-old+.RESULTS3rd Al Rayyan Race Meeting - Asherij CupWINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)1 - Asherij Cup - Local Purebred Arabian HandicapGrace Secret, Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, Alberto Sanna2 - Local Purebred Arabian Graduation PlateNaseeb Zakhir, Eng Osama Omer al-Dafea, Soufiane Saadi3 - Thoroughbred Handicap (60-80)Studio City, Mohammed al Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi4: Local Thoroughbred Handicap (35-60)Horse: Saida, Hamad al-Jehani, Saleh Faraj al-Otaibi5 - Purebred Arabian Maiden PlateAzzam FBR, Fahad Rashid al-Khayarin al-Hajri, Abdulla Rashid al-Hajri6: Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, 3-7YOsMorello Man, Hamad al-Jehani, Szczepan Mazur7 -Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60)Estithmar, Jihad El Ahmad, Alberto Sanna

For the third consecutive year, the legendary Al Ghadeer produced a breathtaking performance to retain the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup crown on the final day of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp Sunday, reaffirming his dominance in Purebred Arabian racingOwned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by Christophe Soumillon — his partner in both previous triumphs — the brilliant six-year-old once again proved untouchable on the biggest stage. Al Ghadeer now stands on the brink of an unprecedented third consecutive Doha Triple Crown, chasing the very record he set by winning it twice before.Following the race, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani crowned HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan al-Thani with the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup trophy, in the presence of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, Chairman of Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), marking a fitting conclusion to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.HH Sheikh Abdullah also crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1). The ceremony was attended by HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, Ambassador of of Qatar to France and Guillaume de Saint Seine, Chairman of France Galop.The iconic race was won by three-year-old Daryz, representing Aga Khan Studs Sc., who produced a magnificent performance under the direction of trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and a superb ride by Mickael Barzalona. Achieving the greatest victory of his young career – which began only in April – Daryz earned his place among the elite names in the history of the World’s Best Horse RaceThe meeting also featured seven additional races, including four more Group 1 contests. Among those presenting the trophies were HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to France, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1); QREC Chairman al-Attiyah, who awarded the winners of the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Group 1); Abdulrahman bin Mansour al-Mansoori, QREC Board Member, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de la Foret (Gr1); and Rashid bin Saed Adiba, Head of the QREC Racing Operations Section, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de la Place de l'Etoile.Historic hat-trick for Al Ghadeer in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA)Al Ghadeer (Al Mourtajez x Gharraa) once again demonstrated his unrivalled dominance in the Purebred Arabian ranks with a spectacular victory in the Group 1 (PA) Qatar Arabian World Cup over 2000m.The race, featuring a field of 12 of the world’s best Arabians, is the richest and most prestigious contest for the breed, and Al Ghadeer confirmed his status as the undisputed champion.The six-year-old superstar secured his 11th career Group 1 (PA) title. This success also marked a third consecutive Group 1 victory on the card for jockey Soumillon, who earlier guided Diamond Necklace and Puerto Rico to top-level success, completing a remarkable treble on Arc Day.In a race led by Joe Star (Al Mourtajez), as usual setting the pace, Al Ghadeer was restrained from his wide draw to settle at the rear, positioned just behind his main rival HM Alchahine (Al Mourtajez). The tempo was strong but even, and Al Ghadeer travelled comfortably three wide on the best ground, always within striking distance of the leaders.Third last in the false straight but still travelling powerfully, he continued to track HM Alchahine, who moved wide turning for home. Travelling noticeably best of all, Soumillon bided his time before switching his mount to the outside for a clear run. Inside the final 300m, Al Ghadeer drifted slightly left but responded instantly once Soumillon switched his whip to the left hand, showing an excellent turn of foot to surge past and assert his superiority. He stayed on strongly to win by three-quarters of a length from HM Alchahine, with RB Mary Lylah (Al Mourtajez) finishing a clear third.Daryz Triumphs in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de TriompheDaryz, a three-year-old colt, produced a stunning performance to capture the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, stepping up to 2400m for the first time and proving his class in Europe’s most prestigious race in a 17 runners race. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, and owned & bred by Aga Khan Studs SC, Daryz delivered a memorable victory, marking a first Arc success for both trainer and jockey.A Group 2 winner, Daryz came into this race on the back of an excellent second to Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black) in the Gr.2 Qatar Prix Niel, confirming his credentials at the highest level. His powerful finishing kick and composure in a top-class field showed he is a colt of exceptional quality and stamina. He’s now a Gr.1 & Arc winner.Broke well and soon settled in a good spot behind the favourite Minnie Hauk (Frankel) on the inside rail, Daryz was briefly restrained to midfield but remained in touch as the field found their positions. Entering the home straight, he improved quickly into second, still shadowing Minnie Hauk, who had just taken the lead and drifted slightly wide to start her challenge. Inside the final 200 metres, Daryz was still a good second, but with his rival looking resolute in front. However, inside the last 100 metres, the colt found another gear, quickening impressively to join the favourite, and after a thrilling head-to-head battle, Daryz proved the stronger, winning by a head. Minnie Hauk held on for second, while Sosie (Sea The Stars) stayed on well to take third.Diamond Necklace Shines Bright in the Gr.1 Qatar Prix Marcel BoussacDiamond Necklace (St Mark’s Basilica), a classy 2-year-old filly, produced a dazzling display to capture the Group 1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac over 1600m, a race for 2-year-old fillies only that brought together a field of eight runners. The Coolmore filly confirmed herself as one of the leading juveniles of the season with a brilliant and determined performance.Trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and carrying the M Tabor & D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg colours, Diamond Necklace continues her rapid rise through the ranks and becomes a Group 1 winner on only her third career start. She came into this race following an impressive Listed victory at Leopardstown, and once again showed class, maturity, and determination at the highest level.Puerto Rico Takes the Group 1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc LagarderePuerto Rico (Wootton Bassett), a talented 2-year-old colt, continued his rapid progression with a brilliant victory in the Group 1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere over 1400m, a race for 2-year-old colts only that brought together a field of nine runners.Trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and owned by Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith, Puerto Rico produced a good performance to claim his first Gr.1 success. He completed a Group 1 double on the card for both trainer and jockey, following their earlier victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac with Diamond Necklace.Maranoa Charlie Dominates the Prix de la ForetMaranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) confirmed his brilliance with a commanding front-running performance to take the Group 1 Prix de la Foret over 1400m at ParisLongchamp. The race, open to 3-year-olds and up, featured a field of 16 and produced a decisive victory for the progressive colt.Trained by Christopher Head, ridden by Aurelien Lemaître, and owned by Bond Thoroughbred Limited, the 3-year-old colt displayed both speed and toughness to secure his first success at the highest level.Asfoora Flies to Victory in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de LongchampAsfoora (Flying Artie), the brilliant 7-year-old mare, showcased her trademark speed and determination with a dazzling win in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp, run over 1000m. The sprint attracted a field of 19 runners, bringing together some of the fastest horses in Europe. Trained by Henry Dwyer, ridden by Oisin Murphy, and owned by Noor Elaine Farm Pty Ltd, the Australian sprinter bounced back in style after a below-par performance in a Group 1.Barnavara Shines Bright in the Gr.1 Prix de l’OpéraBarnavara (Calyx), a talented 3-year-old filly, produced a thrilling front-running display to land the Group 1 Prix de l’Opéra over 2000m, a race for 3-year-old and older fillies and mares which attracted a field of 12. Trained by Jessica Harrington, ridden by Shane Foley, and owned by Alpha Racing, the filly continues her remarkable rise through the ranks.Qatar’s Enduring Partnership: A legacy of vision and excellenceAs the curtain fell on the 2025 renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend in Paris, Qatar’s long-standing sponsorship once again proves to be much more than a support for a sporting event. It stands as a model of strategic partnership and sporting vision.The collaboration between the QREC and France Galop, which began in 2008, has become one of the cornerstones of this world-renowned meeting. Over the years, it has delivered far-reaching benefits, particularly in strengthening the presence of Purebred Arabian racing on Europe’s and the world premier stages. This integration has become a defining feature of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, where the Qatar Arabian World Cup continues to capture worldwide attention. Staged immediately before the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the race attracts immense interest and has evolved into one of the most anticipated moments of the entire weekend.The Qatari sponsorship has also given rise to the prestigious Doha Triple Crown, a visionary initiative that encourages international competition among owners and trainers of Purebred Arabians. The series connects three elite races — the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood, the Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp, and the HH The Amir Sword at Al Rayyan— with special recognition for any horse capable of winning all three.Winning the Triple Crown is a challenge that only truly exceptional champions can meet — as Ebraz, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani, first proved in 2020. Yet Al Ghadeer took this achievement to unprecedented heights, completing the treble for the second consecutive year and looks well prepared and very close to complete the treble – a feat that underscores his extraordinary consistency and class at the very highest level.

As the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, sponsored by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), draws the world’s racing eyes to Paris, Thursday’s spotlight shines on the Purebred Arabian Horse Sale, organised annually by Arqana at Saint-Cloud Racecourse.The auction opens the associated events of the weekend, underscoring the significant interest in purebred Arabian horses.The growing focus on Arabians reflects one of the most notable successes of Qatar’s long-standing sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Qatar’s support for Arabian horse racing on French tracks stretches across the entire winter season, beginning with the Qatar Prix Massoud for three-year-olds making their first appearance—a race that officially launches the European Arabian racing calendar.This momentum continues with a distinguished lineup of major Arabian races, including the Qatar Prix Denouste for three-year-old colts, the Qatar Prix Djebella II for three-year-old fillies, the Gr.2 PA Qatar Prix de l’Élevage for four-year-old and up fillies and mares, the Gr1 PA Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes for four-year-olds, Gr.2 PA Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) for four-year-olds and up, the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (three-year-old fillies), the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (three-year-old colts), the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (four-year-old fillies) and culminating in the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup, staged on the final day of the weekend as the highlight immediately preceding the weekend’s centrepiece, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.Given this remarkable calendar showcasing a wide diversity of races, it is entirely fitting that Arqana’s Pure Arabian Horse Sale has earned such prominence both in France and on the global stage. This year’s auction catalogue features 97 lots, including 36 two-year-olds, two yearlings, 31 horses currently in training and 28 of breeding stock. Among the horses on offer, 13 are from Al Shaqab Racing, including seven horses in training and six horses of o breeding stock.Last year’s sale drew a significant international turnout of breeders, owners and trainers, achieving outstanding results. Of the 106 lots presented, 76 were sold, representing 71.7%, with total sales reaching €3,580,000.