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Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle dominated the His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy Day by securing seven victories out of 10 races on the turf track of the QREC’s Al Rayyan Racecourse Saturday.Al Jeryan Stud’s Aafoor retained the His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle, by winning the 2200m race for the four-year-old+ Thoroughbreds. The victory came under the guidance of jockey Soufiane Saadi, who rode his second winner on the day.In the day’s feature and final race, Aafoor ensured the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle remained with Al Jeryan Stud for a second consecutive year, successfully defending his title in the Class 1 Thoroughbred feature for four-year-old+ over 2200m.The seasoned campaigner delivered a determined and resolute performance, showing admirable courage in the closing stages as he surged to the front and held firm under sustained, collective pressure to prevail by a neck. Prepared once again by M.H.K. Al Attiyah and partnered by Szczepan Mazur, the victory also secured Aafoor’s second victory in just three starts this season, finishing runner-up on one of them as well, and qualification for the Shalfa race at the HH The Amir Sword Festival in February.President of the Qatar Olympic Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani presented the Rifle to M.H.K Al Attiyah, who received it on behalf of the winning owner Al Jeryan Stud, in the presence of Rashid bin Nasser Sraiya al-Kaabi, QREC Vice Chairman, and Ahmed Amanullah al-Shaibani, QREC Deputy CEO.In the penultimate race on the card, Lippo De Carrere extended Wathnan Racing and Alban de Mieulle combination's remarkable hold on the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy by landing the Group 3 Purebred Arabian feature for four-year-old+ over 2200m, ensuring the prestigious prize remained in the famous colours and with the master trainer for a fourth consecutive year, following three successive renewals won by the champion Abbes.A winner of the four-year-old edition of this trophy last season, the five-year-old returned this year to add the senior Gr3 PA title, underlining the dominance of Wathnan Racing and trainer De Mieulle by securing a seventh success on the 10-race card, with the victory coming under the guidance of Saadi, who rode his second winner of the day.Khaddah opened his winning account in memorable fashion by landing the H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for four-year-old Purebred Arabians over 1750m, Class 2, prevailing by a quarter of a length. The grey colt, drawn in barrier one, built on a sequence of three runner-up finishes earlier in his career and delivered at the fifth attempt, showing both patience and a sharp turn of foot when it mattered most. Carrying the colours of Wathnan Racing, he was trained by De Mieulle and partnered by James Doyle, with the success bringing up a sixth winner on the day for the owner-trainer combination and a fifth for the jockey. He, further, retained the trophy for the same trio for the second year in a row after they landed the same title through Lippo De Carrere last year.His Excellency Meshaal bin Ali al-Attiyah, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Bosnia and Herzegovina, presented the HE. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy to Sheikh Abdullah bin Tamim al-Thani receiving the prize on behalf of Wathnan Racing, owners of Khaddah, winner of the eighth race on the card. English jockey James Doyle also left a mark as he rode five winners on the day.Sheikh Joaan also honoured the Al Sabiq Championship winning riders, in the presence of Rashid bin Nasser Sraiya al-Kaabi, QREC Vice Chairman, and Ahmed Amanullah al-Shaibani, QREC Deputy CEO. The traditional contest was staged as part of His Excellency’s Rifle meeting. The first four places were secured, in order, by Mohammed Kamaan Saeed al-Hajri aboard Malzoom, Ali Mohammed Ali al-Otibi partnering Shere Khan, Mohammed Faisal Abdulhadi al-Marri guiding Mahjooba and Saud Rashid Mohammed Meteb al-Saaq riding Kahilan Al Sakab.RESULTS38th Al Rayyan Meeting – H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy Day1 - HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle, ThoroughbredsAafoor, M H K al-Attiyah, Szczepan Mazur2 - HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, Purebred Arabians, Gr3Lippo De Carrere, Alban de Mieulle, Soufiane Saadi3 - HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, Purebred ArabiansKhaddah, Alban de Mieulle, James Doyle4 - HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, Purebred ArabiansMac'zoom Al Shahania, Rudy Nerbonne, Lukas Delozier5 - HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, Thoroughbred Open RaceDark Trooper, Alban de Mieulle, James Doyle6 - HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, Local ThoroughbredsEquinoxe, Alban de Mieulle, James Doyle7 - HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, 3YO Thoroughbreds, 3YOs, 1400mAugust George, Jassim al-Ghazali, Alberto Sanna8 - HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, Thoroughbred Open SprintSoldier's Gold, Alban de Mieulle, Soufiane Saadi9 - Desert Rose Cup, Local Thoroughbred Fillies & MaresDoha Bu Thaila, Alban de Mieulle, James Doyle10 - Al Na'ama Cup, Local Purebred Arabian Fillies & MaresRazika, Alban de Mieulle, James Doyle 

Wathnan Racing’s Arman wrapped up an exciting evening at Al Rayyan Racecourse Saturday, clinching the mile contest for three-year-old+ Local Purebred Arabians by a short head to claim the Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Trophy.Trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by James Doyle, the victory highlighted the horse’s determination in a tightly contested feature race. Minister of Sports and Youth HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani in the presence of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Vice Chairman Rashid bin Nasser Sraiya al-Kaabi, presented the trophy to Ali bin Yousef al-Kubaisi, who received it on behalf of Wathnan Racing.Earlier, in the Grade 2 Qatar National Day Trophy RB Mary Lylah produced a devastating turn of foot in the home straight. The five-year-old mare surged clear under Doyle to win by six lengths in the four-year-old+ Purebred Arabians contest. HE Sheikh Hamad presented the trophy to al-Kubaisi, representing Wathnan Racing. The victory marked a commanding performance for trainer Alban de Mieulle and secured a consecutive retention of the title, following last year’s success with Jabalah.During the nine-race meet, Simca Mille made a stylish return to Qatar by winning the QA Gr3 Al Safliya Cup, a 2350m contest for four-year-old+ Thoroughbreds. Drawn barrier 1, the six-year-old chestnut displayed composure and strength to win by 1½ lengths under Doyle, capping a quick-fire double for the connections.Doha Bu Thaila claimed the Local Thoroughbred Open Race for three-year-old+ over 2000m, holding off rivals with a decisive 1½-length victory under Soufiane Saadi.Abdulrahman bin Mansour al-Mansour, QREC Board Member, presented the Al Halul Island Cup to Ali bin Yousef al-Kubaisi on behalf of Wathnan Racing.The four-year-old bay filly preserved the winning combination that had triumphed in the same race last year with Equinoxe.Thor’s Hammer returned to winning form in the Al Busayyir Cup, a 1600m Thoroughbred Conditions contest for three-year-old+. Drawn widest, the four-year-old bay gelding tracked the leaders before producing a late surge to win by a short head, with jockey Alberto Sann completing a double for the evening. Ahmed Amanalla Al-Sheebani, QREC Deputy CEO, presented the trophy to Ali bin Hamad al-Attiyah on behalf of Al Rufaa Racing.In the Falcon Cup, veteran Taxiwala retained his title in the 3YO+ Thoroughbred Conditions sprint over 1200m. The eight-year-old kicked clear in the final 200m under Lukas Delozier to win by 1½ lengths, taking his season tally to two victories from three starts and his career total to 21 wins. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani presented the trophy to Eng. Osama Omer al-Dafea, owner and trainer of Taxiwala.Other results from the day included Taftan winning the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (1600m) by 4¼ lengths with Pierre Charles Boudot aboard; Labwa De Carrere (FR) taking the Purebred Arabian Handicap (75-95, 1600m) by a head under Fayos Martin Borja; and Taymoor Al Shahania claiming the Purebred Arabian Conditions (1200m) by a neck with Alberto Sanna in the saddle. 

Hit Show continued his outstanding season with a smooth and confident success in the Gr.3 Hagyard Fayette Stakes at Keeneland, a race run over 1800m for 3-year-olds and up. The contest drew a field of 11, and once again the talented five-year-old displayed his class and consistency at graded level.Trained by Brad H. Cox, owned by Wathnan Racing, and this time ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., the Dubai World Cup hero added another Group win to his record, confirming his place among the most reliable and versatile middle-distance horses in training.Drawing the widest gate, Hit Show was settled in midfield in a race led by Dilger. Travelling strongly down the back straight, he gradually made headway while several rivals came off the bridle. Approaching the final bend, Hit Show moved into fourth, with the leader beginning to weaken.Inside the home straight, Hit Show looked full of running but briefly found himself short of room. Once switched to the outside, he quickened smartly under a hands-and-heels ride and swept past his rivals to take the lead inside the final furlong. Always in control thereafter, he crossed the line to win by one length, with Rattle N Roll finishing second and the favourite Gosger taking third.Bred in the United States, Hit Show is by Candy Ride, out of Actress, a dual Gr.2 and Gr.3 winner, including the Gr.2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico and the Gr.3 Comely Stakes at Aqueduct. Actress is a daughter of Milwaukee Appeal, runner-up in both the Gr.1 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes at Keeneland and the Gr.1 Alabama Stakes at Saratoga.

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.

The Strikin Viking, a progressive three-year-old gelding, gained the biggest success of his career with victory in the Gr.3 155th Casino Baden-Baden Goldene Peitsche, Germany’s historic sprint contest, run over 1200m at Baden-Baden. The race, open to 3-year-olds and upwards, drew a strong international field of ten sprinters. Trained by Hamad al-Jehani, ridden by Faleh Bughenaim and carrying the silks of Wathnan Racing, the gelding came into the race on the back of a solid third in the Listed Queensferry Stakes at Chester. Building on that effort, he stepped up again to secure his first Group success. Quickly into stride, The Strikin Viking broke well and was soon among the leaders, disputing the pace in the opening stages with the favourite Arabie on the stands’ side. The pair pressed on while War Bride tracked close behind and Zerostress raced handily against the rail. Travelling smoothly in front, The Strikin Viking held a narrow advantage as Arabie began to come under pressure approaching the final two furlongs. Sent for home by Faleh Bughenaim, he opened up a clear length advantage while Arabie weakened inside the final furlong. War Bride found room and gave chase, closing strongly while Zerostress also picked up late. But The Strikin Viking was always in control, showing both grit and speed to hold off War Bride by three-quarters of a length at the line. Zerostress finished well to take third. Bred by Tally-Ho Stud, The Strikin Viking is out of Asmeen, an unraced mare. He is a half-brother to Chorlton Lane, a winner over 1400m at two and Gr.3-placed over 1600m at three. Asmeen is out of Askeria and is a half-sister to Ashraf, a dual winner over 1600m and 1900m and fourth in Listed company over 2000m at three, as well as to Askerana, a winner over 2000m at three.