Mohamed Saad
Al Rayyan Racecourse hosted the third meeting of the current season with the seven-race card Asherij Cup Day held on the dirt track on Wednesday, 19 October. The Yousuf Abdulla Al Lingawi-owned Harab Al Naif (QA) (TM Fred Texas x Sa’ebat Al Naif) was the comfortable winner of the feature event of the day as she landed the Asherij Cup, a Local Purebred Arabian Conditions for 3YO+ Fillies and Mares by 1½ lengths. In doing so, the 6YO mare got off the mark in her 24th attempt and gave her owner as well as her trainer Mohamed Rashid Seif Al Kuwari their first win and cup this season. She was ridden to victory by Tomas Lukasek, who completed a double on the day as he rode the winner of the fourth race as well.
As the 8 runners left the starting gates, it was Shams Al Nahar (QA) (AF AlBahar) who took the lead and was tracked by Ietibar (QA) (Al Mamun Monlau), who was followed by Alzubarah Katara (QA) (AF AlBahar) while Harab Al Naif (QA) settled in a mid-position in the early stages of the 6-furlong race. On the other hand, last year’s winner, Texas (QA) (T M Fred Texas), settled towards the rear. At the first bend, Ietibar (QA) progressed to take the lead. Once in the home straight, the 8 runners closed to each other and it seemed as if the winner would be Alzubarah Katara (QA) who came strongly from outside and Shams Al Nahar (QA) who progressed very well against the rail. However, Moneeaty (QA) (Asraa Min Albarq) and Harab Al Naif (QA), announced their challenge in the closing stages and both came from behind towards the lead. It was Harab Al Naif (QA) who managed to win the challenge as she kept storming from outside and took the race comfortably. Moneeaty (QA), in the colours of Mohamed Abdulla S Al-Hajri and under Hugo Besnier finished runner-up for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. The Katara Stud-owned Alzubarah Katara (QA) finished further 4 lengths behind in third for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani and jockey Giuseppe Cultraro.
Following the day’s feature race, QREC Racing Manager, Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, presented the trophies to the winners.
Baker De Saularie
In the penultimate race, the Osama Omer Al Dafea-owned and trained Baker De Saularie (FR) (Kerbella x Babiche De Saulari) impressively won a Purebred Arabian Conditions as the 8YO had too much for his rivals to score by 5 lengths under Szczepan Mazur, who completed a double on the day.
Millions
In race 5, the Abdulaziz Ali A Al Kathiri-owned and trained Millions (GB) (Pivotal x Sugar Mill) won a 1100m Handicap for 3YO+ Thoroughbreds. Jockey Rashid Ali Al Saaq did well in the final strides to finish ½ a length in front of the nearest rival.
Ayaath Alsraiya
In the fourth race, Al Sraiya Stud’s Ayaath Alsraiya (FR) (Style Vendome x New Saaboog) picked up where he left off the previous season completing a treble in a 1700m Handicap for 3YO+ Thoroughbreds for trainer Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki and jockey Tomas Lukasek
Al Mukhadram
In the third race, Sheikh Faisal Bin Hamad Bin Jassim Al Thani’s homebred Al Mukhadram (QA) (Mukhadram x Love Roi) was another wide margin winner on the day as the 6YO, under Alberto Sanna, took a 1200m Local Thoroughbred Novice by 4½ lengths for trainer Khaled Mohamad Alahmad. It is worth-mentioned that Al Mukhadram (QA) won the same race last year.
Attache
Thirty minutes earlier, 51 East Racing’s Attache (IRE) (Declaration of War x Go Kart) on his Qatar debut, stormed to a 3¼ length-win. Jefferson Smith rode the Wasim Al Sahn-trained 3YO colt to success in the 1200m Thoroughbred Handicap.
AJS Rasheed
Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Rasheed (QA) (Hall of Fame x Poseidon’s Bride) kick-started the day powerfully, winning a Maiden for 3YO Local Thoroughbreds. Under Szczepan Mazur, the M.H.K Al Attiyah-trained colt stretch clear by 3¼ lengths in the 1200 run.
Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club