The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) organised the ninth race meeting in the 2021-22 season at the Al Rayyan Racecourse turf track on Wednesday, 10 November. In the feature and seventh race, Mubarak Bin Saeed Aljafai Al Naimi’s homebred AL SHOMOS (QA) (Shamardal x Gulbarg) wrapped up a good day for trainer Ahmed Kobeissi, completing a double when taking the Al Wukair Cup. Jockey Szczepan Mazur helped the 6YO mare bolt up by 7 lengths.
The feature race was a Conditions for 3YO+ Local Thoroughbred Conditions. The 1700m race had a field of 9 runners. Al Shomos broke well from barrier 3 to settle in mid-position near the lead. Ali Bin Saeed Aljafali Al Nuaimi’s Ajal (QA) (Domestic Fund) took the lead early and led the field with a steady pace throughout. He even started to kick clear at the 300m and looked a winner. However, Al Shomos, out of the blue, came with a strong sweep from behind to be in second position and, in no time, join and go past Ajal at the 200m mark. She showed an amazing turn of foot as she went to on kick clear until she crossed the line 7½-lengths in front of the Mohamed Khaled Elahmed-trained and Lukas Delozier-ridden Ajal. Eng. Dhafi Rashid H A Al-Marri’s Dukhan (QA) (Farhh), who is trained by Mohammed Hussain Afroz, was further 2¼-lengths back in third under Carlos Henrique.
Following the feature race, Bader Mohammed Al Darwish, QREC Acting CEO, crowned the winners.
ZALEJ AL CHAM
In the penultimate race, the Purebred Arabian Conditions for 3YO+, Al Shaqab Racing’s ZALEJ AL CHAM (FR) (Azadi x Al Kahira) picked up where he left off the previous season as he won the 1700m with authority by 4 lengths giving the trainer-jockey duo Alban de Mieulle and Carlos Henrique a double on the day. Hidalgo Du Croate (FR) (Al Mamun Monlau) was the runner-up and Maghamir Des Forges (FR) (Mahabb) finished third.
AJS AL AREDH
The fifth race in the card was the Purebred Arabian Handicap (0-80) for 3YO+. Al Ghazali Stud’s AJS AL AREDH (QA) (Majd Al Arab x Karreema) continued his consistent form winning the 1200m race by 1½-lengths with David Allan in the saddle. The Jassim Ghazali-trained 6YO gelding had finished third in his two outings earlier this season. Rahaf HA (QA) (AF AlBahar) and Ahzaab (QA) (Dahess) finished second and third respectively.
COMRADE IN ARMS
Eng. Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik’s COMRADE IN ARMS (USA) (War Front x Maryinsky) stayed on gamely in the final stages of the Thoroughbred Handicap (0-70) to win the 1900m run for 3YO+ by a neck for trainer Ahmed Kobeissi and jockey Qais Al Busaidi. Noble Ancestry (GB) (Dubawi) and Ponderosa (IRE) (Dubawi) took the minor honours in this order.
QUEENSHALA
Umm Qarn’s QUEENSHALA (FR) (Al Mamun Monlau x Al Ramtha) completed a double and again with an impressive 6½-length margin with Ronan Thomas in the saddle in the Purebred Arabian Novice Plate for 3YO+ Fillies & Mares over 1700m. The Alban de Mieulle-trained 4YO filly looks to be going places Hadjira De Flauzins (FR) (Josco Du Cayrou) and Salsabiel (FR) (AF AlBahar) completed the frame.
ROYAL COURT
Al Murtages Racing Syndicate’s ROYAL COURT (IRE) (Zoffany x Court Circular) on seasonal debut got off the mark winning the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. Carols Henrique partnered the Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Attiya-schooled 5YO gelding to a clear 2½-length win in the 1200m race for 3-6YOs. Caidok (IRE) (Kodiac) and Villain’s Voice (GB) (Poet’s Voice) finished second and third respectively.
SHEIKHA
Al Ezz Stud’ SHEIKHA (QA) (Leroidesanimaux / Soiree D’ete) started off Al Wukair Cup day winning the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-65). The Saeed Al Shafi-trained 5YO mare sauntered well clear under jockey Lukas Delozier, eventually winning by an easy 3¾-length margin in the 1200m run for 3YO+. Lehwaila (QA) (Coach House) and Hilala (QA) (Domestic Fund) were second and third respectively.
Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club