In the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, the classy 4-year-old filly KATARA (FR) (Deep Impact x Asyad) scored a new Listed win in the Pontefract Castle Fillies’ Stakes at Pontefract racecourse, UK on Sunday, 20 June, adding a new Qatari victory at European racecourse less than two hours after the victory of H.E. Sheikha Reem Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s HOGGAR DE L’ARDUS in the QREC-sponsored Gr1 P/A Qatar Derby for 4YO Purebred Arabians at Chantilly, France.

Ridden by Ryan Moore in the 2,400-metre race for 4-year-olds and older fillies and mares at Pontefract on Sunday, KATARA broke behind the field to sit in last place. They began racing in the final bend and Moore kept her in on the rail waiting patiently for the opening. She came progressively through to join the leaders with 200 metres left to run and battled with the Hugo Palmer-schooled and James Doyle-helmed GOLDEN PASS (GB) (Golden Horn x Lovely Pass) in the closing stages, winning the Class 1 contest by a head. The Hughie Morrison-trained and Tom Marquand-ridden URBAN ARTIST (GB) (Cityscape x Cill Rialaig) finished third with a further two and a half-length margin.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute in Newmarket, KATARA was a dual winner at 3, including the Listed Chalice Stakes. She now boasts a 3/7 (43%) strike rate, including 2 listed victories and looks one to be closely watched. She was bred by Al Shaqab Racing at Haras de Bouquetot in France. She is by the Champion Japanese sire DEEP IMPACT and out of NEW APPROACH mare ASYAD, a three-time winner herself for Al Shaqab Racing.

Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club