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Qatar Annual Festival of the Arabian Horse F e b r u a r y
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by Caroline Reeves Photographed by Erwin Escher and Scott Trees
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atar International Show, 1996. Sitting in my comfy armchair in the stands, among the other visitors from around the world, the awning above us blocking out the fierce sun, I looked up to see a stunning bay homebred colt being led into the arena to be presented in its class. I looked at those around me and knew they realized too, that after purchasing some of the finest Arabians in the world and creating their own breeding program, Qatar had more than arrived. We were seeing the start of a new era, for here was a colt unbeatable anywhere in the world. The bar had been raised, and not by an insignificant amount. Gazal Al Shaqab had made his debut. And now it’s 2009, and we’re back in Qatar, to witness Gazal’s even more illustrious son, and his own progeny, on his home ground. After a long, especially wet winter in the UK, trudging through the mud soup, layered up to keep warm and seriously beginning to consider that I might need to commission my own ark, it was fabulous to feel that warm rush of air blanket me as I disembarked happily from the plane in Doha, marveling at the totally clear blue sky and welcoming the same relentless sun, which ironically I would soon be cursing as I slopped copious amounts of lotion on arms that changed from glowing white to glowing red within 24 hours.
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When coming in to land who hearteningly made at the Doha airport, a point of stroking one finds it hard to many of the horses she believe how much a judged and thereby in landscape can change an instant broke the each year, as Qatar, like tension and temporarily Dubai, is expanding at relieved the pressure an unbelievable rate. On from both horses returning visits it gets and handlers. harder and harder to The first section spot the landmarks that of yearling fillies set the had stood out when I standard for the show, first started coming here, in that there were some decades ago. smart fillies at the top of In the early years, the line, but the quality Senior Champion Stallion Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little the Qatar International was not deep and tailed Liza Fame), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar. Show was the finest and off significantly. most significant window Al Shaqab showed us that their breeding program is as strong on the Middle East, but then it was virtually the only show out here, and current as ever, taking the first two places in this class. The whereas by now the well-traveled horses had already competed in winner, Shamah Al Shaqab, is a tall, mature bay Marwan daughter Saudi Arabia, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi this year alone, and were also out of SWF Desert Rose, and second was another of the more due to participate at the most prestigious Dubai Cup in a few weeks’ mature fillies, Sharifa Al Shaqab (WN Star Of Antigua x Shahirat time. However, we were to be treated to some of the top Arabian Al Shaqab). horses in the world today, including several of the current The senior section of yearling fillies was generally of a higher World Champions. quality, with the smart grey Al Adeed Al Shaqab daughter Laian The show was being held once more at the Racing and Al Shaqab taking the honors over Noora Al Khalediah (Padrons Equestrian Club in a large sand arena, beautifully marked out with Immage x Robin K by CG Balih El Jamaal), who was less mature flowers in the shape of a horseshoe and flanked by grandstands and and more refined, putting on a super show with great attitude as stabling. Thankfully the sand was not too deep, as it has been on one would expect from these lines. occasions, resulting in handlers running even more slowly than our Sadly, actual trotting seems not to be in vogue at the moment, minibus did in the quicksand, later in the trip. As ever, the hospitality nor does walking! Almost all the horses presented were encouraged was fabulous here, and we were provided with superb refreshments to canter or scrabble wildly — depending on the handler — around — freshly squeezed fruit juices such as strawberry and kiwi, and the large arena, with three or four strides of trot deemed sufficient, fabulously creative, colorful canapés, pastries, and sweets were served and maybe even fewer strides of walk during its phase. Rather throughout the day, as well as a buffet lunch. Why is it that the unsightly, really, and a fashion that surely needs to be stopped supposedly unhealthier food is, the better it tastes? For sure, calories = sooner rather than later. yummy = tummy! The first of the two-year-old filly classes was deservedly won by The judging panel this year consisted of Dr. Nasr Marei, of Al Shaqab’s extreme Miss El Power JQ, a feminine filly with a super Egypt; Dr. Francesco Santoro, of Italy; Holger Ismer, of Germany; front. Power World JQ does seem to have sired some pretty stock Dr. Marek Trela, of Poland; and the charming Titti Gagliani, of Italy; and this filly is no exception. In second place stood another pretty 2 ▪ QATAR ▪ WORLD
Top left and right: Senior Champion Stallion Marwan Al Shaqab, pictured above from left to right are Sheikh Mutlaq bin Mushrif Al Qhatani, manager of Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani, manager of Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; and trainer Michael Byatt.
Middle left: Senior Champion Mare Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar. Middle right: Reserve Senior Champion Stallion Baanderos (Marwan Al Shaqab x HB Bessolea), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia. Bottom: Reserve Senior Champion Mare Dorar (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Belquis Al Nasser), owned by the Royal Cavalry, Oman.
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female, Shamma Al Khalediah by F Shamaal, a stallion who is proving himself in the breeding barn for Al Khalediah Stud as well as in the show arena. Shamma is a charming bay filly with simply huge dark pools for eyes. Third was another showy bay Marwan daughter, Ghalia Al Shaqab. The grey Magheeda Al Shaqab, a stretchy, “necky” Al Adeed daughter won the second two-year-old section, over another pretty bay F Shamaal daughter, the homebred Aneesat Al Khalediah, a quality filly. Third was a wonderful chestnut WH Justice daughter, Fedora RG, who showed more attitude and star appeal than the victors, an expressive filly who I felt was rather harshly marked, and indeed her quality was recognized by the judges wo brought her up to the Top Five in the Junior Female Championships. I have to say I’m not big on ears, but this filly’s are particularly noticeable — truly cute and curly-wurly! The three-year-old class was arguably the strongest of the junior females, in that it had more depth, and all the entrants entered the arena showing well with tails flagged, maturity and air miles giving them the confidence to strut their stuff, and the higher marks throughout the class confirmed this. Winner was Adhaba Al Shaqab by Marwan out of GW Natorius Star. This impressive liver chestnut Marwan daughter was very different in type from her counterparts, being more American — tall, good-bodied and stretchy, a super filly. Second to her was the cute and exotic-faced Bint Helwah (Gazal Al Shaqab x Bona) for the Shgair Stud, and third was Danatel Safinat,
Qatar’s new Museum of Islamic Art designed by I.M. Pei.
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another pretty type who perhaps lacked a little movement compared to those above her. At the start of the boys’ classes there was another win for Al Shaqab, this time the yearling colt Bilal Al Shaqab, a smart, irongrey Marwan son out of the homebred Shama Al Shaqab. As ever, the Marwan stock is instantly recognizable with its tremendous selfcarriage, super neck-set and topline, and Bilal is no exception. Al Arab Asayel (AJA Sanagor x Baherah Ezzain) has obviously inherited the showmanship of his sire as this impressive, upright colt carried himself around the arena with pizzazz to take second place for the Asayel Stud, Egypt. The two-year-old colt class was won by the dramatic Gazal son Amir Al Shaqab. This mature iron-grey colt looked stunning as he proudly trotted around, feet barely touching the ground, sun glinting on his white mane and tail. Nayef Al Shaqab was second, a grey Ashhal Al Rayyan son owned by Mohammed Al Yousef, another big colt with tremendous show attitude and showing more freedom of movement from the shoulder. Mention should be made of third-placed Beshr al Safinat, owned by Musleh al Kenzi, who was remarkable for actually trotting around the arena! The second section of two-year-olds was won by another Marwan son for Al Shaqab, OFW Magic Wan out of Magna Prelude and bred by Harold and Dolly Orr, of the U.S. As one would expect from this breeding, and from Michael Byatt, this bay colt certainly outposed all the others, gaining a couple of 20s along the way. A grey Padrons Immage son Jareer Al Khalediah out of Barah Al Khalediah, strutted
Top left: Reserve Junior Champion Colt Amir Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Amira Madrona), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar. Top right: Junior Champion Colt El Palacio VO (Al Lahab x El Dorada), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.
First Place Stallions Eleven and Over BS Summerset (Taladinn x DP Black Sin Der), owned by Shgair Stud Farm, Saudi Arabia.
Bottom left: Reserve Junior Champion Filly Shammaa Al Khalidiah (F Shamaal x Wieza Wiatrow), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia, Qatar. Bottom right: Junior Champion Filly Miss El Power JQ (Power World JQ x Elkada Sahibi), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.
Second Place Stallions Eleven and Over FL Sayawan (Ibn Yathreb x Oml Sanaya Estopa), owned by Athba Stud, Saudi Arabia.
First Place Mares Eleven and Over Mezna Al Rayyan (Imperial Mahzeer x Ansata Magnifica), owned by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Ahmed Al Thani, Qatar.
Second Place Seven- to Ten-Year-Old Stallions F Shamaal (Maysoun x Sarameena), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.
First Place Seven- to Ten-Year-Old Mares FS Premirra (Perlanes Premier x FS Danialas Star), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.
Second Place Seven- to Ten-Year-Old Mares Itlalah (Shalom x Grimasa), owned by the Royal Cavalry, Oman.
Second Place Four- to Six-year-Old Junior Mares Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.
Second Place Three-Year-Old Colt Kabsztad (Poganin x Kwestura), owned by Michalów Stud, Poland, and on lease to Athba Stud, Saudi Arabia..
First Place Three-Year-Old Filly Adhaba Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x GW Natorious Star), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.
into second place, showing great presence and excellent tail carriage. Three-year-old classes are often smaller, what with colts finally getting gelded and some fillies being in foal, and this was no exception, with only five colts coming forward. However, the quality was there, with the very extreme Al Lahab son El Palacio VO winning for Al Khalediah. I hadn’t seen this colt since he was a dweeby little foalyyearling being overawed at the El Ran Cup, and he’s certainly made up now. Bred by Manny Vierra, this colt is out of El Dorada, herself sired by the illustrious Sanadik El Shaklan, and by Al Lahab who has proved an excellent cross with the Shaklan bloodlines.
The Kwestura son Kabsztad took second for Athba Stud (owned by Michalów Stud, Poland, and on lease to Athba), and although he looked more conditioned than before, he didn’t show as well as he has in Europe, maybe needing more time to settle in his new home. Radad was third for the Royal Cavalry, Oman, and gave a pose reminiscent of his snaky-necked sire Koronec. The fabulous chestnut Versace daughter Venetzia scored 9 x 20, yet only won her junior mare class by gaining half a point more for type in a tie with the stretchy grey Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba), another super mare, more correct than most, but on this occasion not
being allowed to show off fully — otherwise she could have taken Venetzia’s crown. So, Venetzia scored yet another home win for Al Shaqab. I love this superb chestnut mare, with more show attitude than some stallions, yet a super-soft face that just draws you in. And what a joy to see a mare so widely shown rising to each occasion more and more; she really does take the ring by storm. The Royal Cavalry, Oman, had a deserved win in the next class with an Ashhal Al Rayyan daughter, Dorar out of Belquis Al Nasser. This lovely white mare put on a fabulous display with great attitude, yet is still ultrafeminine. Typical of many Ashhal babies, Dorar is elegant, leggy, and moves well. Interestingly, as a youngster Dorar
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Second Place Three-Year-Old Filly Bint Helwah (Gazal Al Shaqab x Bona), owned by Shgair Stud Farm, Saudi Arabia.
First Place Two-Year-Old Colt (Senior) OFW Magic Wan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Magna Prelude), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.
Second Place Two-Year-Old Colt (Senior) Jareer Al Khalidiah (Padrons Immage x Barah Al Khalidiah), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.
First Place Two-Year-Old Filly (Senior) Magheeda Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x ZT Maghan), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.
Second Place Two-Year-Old Filly (Senior) Aneesat Al Khalidiah (F Shamaal x Perlanes), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.
Second Place Two-Year-Old Colt (Junior) Nayef Al Shaqab (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Naima Al Shaqab), owned by Al Yousef, Saudi Arabia.
was Reserve Junior Female Champion here. Magora’s full sister Marylla (Gazal Al Shaqab x Margotka) made the best entrance into the arena yet, giving a huge, athletic trot as she stormed around the ring. The Royal Cavalry also took third with the chestnut ABA Psynnahon, completely different in type to their winner, a bigger, more substantial mare as you would expect from a Psynergy daughter out of the Russian mare Sibiria. The seven- to ten-year-old mares was won for Al Khalediah by the U.S.-bred dark bay mare FS Premirra over the big-moving grey Itlalah for The Royal Cavalry. The final mare class was disappointing in that the glorious ZT Sharuby was entered
but not presented. The winner was the ultra pretty white mare Mezna Al Rayyan (Imperial Mahzeer x Ansata Magnifica) for Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, with a Padrons Psyche daughter, Psynecia SPA, bred in Australia out of Fairview Amira Nikit, taking second. Al Shaqab had this mare looking in fabulous condition and she made a super entrance into the ring. The junior stallions are always fun to watch, and first into the ring was no exception, the AJA Sangali son Ashhal Al Khalediah, out of Psyches Kiss. Moving for fun, he was a joy to see, being given full rein to power all the way around the arena, tail over back with much snort and blow, he took fourth place.
Another fun showman that never lets us down, the grey BS Paparazzi, also given plenty of rein and allowed to run on by his handler, took second place for the Shgair Stud. However, Al Khalediah’s Baanderos showed us that he is very aware of his World Championship, strutting around the ring as if he owned it; he won very easily with the high score of 94.3, including all 20s for type, and head and neck. Only four stallions were presented for the next class, although the winner of course ensured that all eyes were on him at all times — Marwan Al Shaqab, oozing star appeal from every mahogany pore, and lifting the atmosphere of the show. With the spectators bursting into spontaneous applause and
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First Place Yearling Colt Bilal Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x Shama Al Shaqab), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.
Second Place Yearling Colt Al Arab Asayel (AJA Sanagor x Baherah Ezzain), owned by Asayel Stud, Egypt.
First Place Yearling Filly (Senior) Laian Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Mesad Al Shaqab), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.
Second Place Yearling Filly (Senior) Noora Al Khalidiah (Padrons Immage x Robin K), owned by Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia.
First Place Yearling Filly (Junior) Shamah Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x SWF Desert Rose), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.
Second Place Yearly Filly (Junior) Sharifa Al Shaqab (WN Star of Antigua x Shahirat Al Shaqab), owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar.
cheers, he entered the arena, looking in absolutely perfect condition and every inch the lord of the ring. However, the very pretty and typey F Shamaal took him to the wire! A surprise in some ways, as these two are so different, but each top representatives of their own particular type, oozing quality, Shamaal appealing to those who would like a prettier type as opposed to dramatic and necky. BS Summerset and FL Sayawan were entered in the senior class, both moved well with Shgair Stud’s typey black stallion showing his socks off to win over the heavier Sayawan. After lunch we had the championships and Top Five, so the large ring was pretty full at times! Champion filly was the exotic Miss El Power and reserve went to her second in her class, Shamaa Al Khalediah, who had obviously gained more confidence her second time in and showed much better. Also in the Top Five was the delightful Fedora RG, showing just how strong her two-year-old section really was, with Adhaba Al Shaqab, and Shamah Al Shaqab giving the Al Shaqab stud four out of the Top Five. El Palacio VO took the Junior Male and the other dark grey, Amir Al Shaqab, Reserve. Kabsztad, OFW Magic Wan, and Bilal Al Shaqab made up the rest of the Top Five. As expected, gorgeous Venetzia was Champion Mare, and again the feminine Dorar took Reserve, much to the delight of her ecstatic connections! FS Premirra, Mezna Al Rayyan, and Abha Myra completed the Top Five Senior Females. The atmosphere was electric for the big boys, the crowd chanting “Marwan, Marwan!” louder and louder, and the World Champion deservedly took top honors, with his son Baanderos reserve. F Shamaal, BS Summerset, and big-moving Ashhal Al Khalediah filled the next spots.
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Marwan Al Shaqab, and the Al Shaqab team.
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arm visits, also a major feature of the Equestrian Festival week, used to be held in the evenings. Unfortunately this year, some of these had been arranged a little early, leaving the hotels at 5:45 a.m., and unsurprisingly resulting in some people missing out on these fabulous trips. The two main racing and endurance facilities in Qatar at present are Umm Qarn Farm, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, and Al Shahania, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani. It’s not only Umm Qarn’s breeding program that’s second to none, the facility is very impressive too. Driving through the greenery to the stables and offices, we passed Sheikh Mohammed’s magnificent residence, a beautiful home surrounded by expansive green lawns and well-kept shrubs. We were invited to view some horses breeze on the track around the farm’s perimeter and then we were given a tour around the fantastic farm
offices, where one can stand on the first floor balcony and look down into the stables and stalls. Although, it was already one of the leading breeders of Arabian racehorses in the Middle East and Europe, it was the discovery of the incredible Amer’s ability in 1995, at the age of 11, that truly put Umm Qarn on the map. Since then, as a sire of Arabian racehorses this stallion is simply unsurpassable, his stock again proving themselves to be the best at the International Race Meeting the following day. The trip to Al Shahania Farm was fun, taking a tad longer than expected, as the driver got a bit lost. As one of those wimpy people who have to sit at the front, for fear of that morning’s indulgence in pancakes and maple syrup reappearing, I was aware there could be a problem when I saw he was reading the map upside down. A few phone calls and a chat with a helpful policeman did the trick, as did the shortcut across
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the deceptive sands. However, when we reached Al Shahania we were not prepared for such an abundance of greenery! Birds were singing in the many trees and the farm has 12 large grass paddocks — large enough that the broodmares are able to live out during the more temperate weather. Two kilometers of gallops enclose their own nature preserve, and they are currently in the process of building 100 more stables and creating 44 turnout pens, with shade, so that the performance horses can get plenty of fresh air and move around, not standing in all day but yet not galloping around a field with the possibility of injuring themselves. The whole farm exudes an air of quiet efficiency. The extremely professional and personable manager, Hannie Maasdij, took us on our tour, introducing us to each of her work riders along the way and showing us that day’s runners — all sons of the aforementioned Amer. We sat in the shade of a beautiful courtyard for
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Top left Alban deMieulle, race trainer for Umm Qarn Farm. Top right: Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s residence at Umm Qarn Farm. Middle left: Umm Qarn Farm stables.
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Middle right and bottom left: Al Shahania gave tours of their gardens and race track. Bottom right: Hannie Maasdij, left, farm manager of Al Shahania Stud, and Abdulrahman Al Mansour, Director of Al Shahania Stud.
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refreshments, surrounded by greenery with a stunning fountain in the center. Thanks largely to Hannie, Al Shahania has a charming atmosphere, friendly and stress-free, quite an achievement in a yard full of highly tuned horses at the peak of their fitness. The return journey wasn’t without incident either; my snooze after the early start being rudely awoken by the crunch of metal on metal, as apparently there was a difference of opinion on leaving a roundabout. It was pretty warm by then, and dusty by the busy roadside, so we were more than happy to see the arrival of our rescue car sent out by the hotel! Presentations were also held at Al Naif and Al Nasser studs, both renowned for their successful straight Egyptian programs, and both interestingly also having started to outcross some of their straights with other bloodlines. Firstly we visited Al Naif Stud, owned by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani and managed by Glenn Jacobs. This was a particularly hot morning, and the covered seating and ample refreshments were most welcome, as we watched a spirited display by the stud’s wonderful band of straight Egyptian broodmares, their offspring and foals. Indeed, all the horses presented looked well and enjoyed themselves showing off to their appreciative audience. As with most mares, Mezna Al Rayyan, winner at the show a couple of days previously, put
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the dusty drive there was certainly not dull, with more than a few diversions across some rather bumpy, sandy landscapes and lots of helpful people suggesting different directions, all at the same time. The presentation at Al Nasser was made all the more interesting because each mare family was led around the paddock, with the matriarch at the lead of her daughters and granddaughters. Head of a particularly glorious group was one of my all-time favorites, Reserve World Champion Bint Saida Al Nasser on an entirely different display on her home ground, snorting and blowing for (Imperial Mahzeer x Saida). Spontaneous all she was worth as she pranced around applause was given as this snow-white mare danced around the grass arena, so the grass arena. delicate and feminine, yet snorting and A foal that certainly caused a stir, blowing, knowing full well that she is and later had a stream of admirers outside its stable, was an exotic grey filly, the queen at Al Nasser. This regal lady with an extreme little face and big white could have been the sole horse at the goggles around her eye. It won’t be long presentation, and we all would still have thought the trip worthwhile. Another before this filly turns white and we will mare family that really impressed was hope to see her in the showring. She is by Al Adeed Al Shaqab out of the pretty that of Aliah Al Nasser, again a daughter of that great sire, Imperial Mahzeer. Two and refined Simeon Seate, interestingly of her granddaughters were outstanding, now in foal to MCA Magnum Gold. the gorgeous, elegant and showy Also outstanding was a Shagran Al Marwan filly Rihab Al Nasser, out of Nasser daughter, a high-stepping little Remal Al Nasser (Ashhal Al Rayyan x madam who obviously thinks she’s Aliah Al Nasser) and the exotic Anood chocolate, out of Hejazia Al Naïf Al Nasser, again by Ashhal Al Rayyan, (Ansata Hejazi x Shahlika by Ansata and again showing the tremendous Halim Shah). presence and attitude we have come to We then piled back into the expect from these bloodlines. minibus to visit a particular favorite Imperial Mahzeer himself graced us of mine, Al Nasser Stud, belonging to with his presence too. A noble stallion Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani and managed by Hendrik Mens. Once again, proudly belying his age.
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Al Naif Stud
Al Nasser Stud
Top: Al Naif Stud presented its foals alongside their dams. Top right: Glen Jacobs, Al Naif Stud manager.
Bottom: Al Nasser Stud owned by Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani and managed by Hendrik Mens presented (from left to right: Bint Saida Al Nasser (Imperial Mahzeere x Saida), Myra II (Lohim x Maysouna by Ibn Galal), and Imperial Mahzeer (Imperial Mahdeen x Maar).
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2009 Qatar Festival Race winner Al Dahma (Amer x Al Hanoof by Manganate), owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani of Umm Qarn.
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he Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s racecourse is a marvelous setup with a superb grandstand overlooking the immaculately maintained grass track. The race card started in the afternoon and continued into the evening, with the whole area looking even more stunning under the bright floodlights. By now we were so spoilt by Qatar’s legendary hospitality we were becoming almost blasé about the fabulous refreshments and delicacies provided by Fauchon. Almost! There were seven races on the card, three for Thoroughbreds and four for purebred Arabians, three of which were won by Amer stock. The big race of the meeting was the Qatar International Trophy, over 1,600 meters, with a purse of $500,000. Needless to say, this race had some quite remarkable horses entered, and again, out of the twelve runners, seven were sired by the incomparable Amer, including Al Shahania’s Jaafer and Umm Qarn’s Al Dahma and General. I remember watching Umm Qarn’s great homebred mare Al Hanoof (Manganate x Pesennaia — herself winner of the Russian Oaks, Taktika Prize, Great Sprinters Race, etc.), winning the Qatar Sprint Championship at Lingfield, UK, in 1998. Since then Al
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Hanoof herself has also proved to be a superlative broodmare, producing, amongst others, full sister and brother Al Dahma and General. Al Dahma, a seven-year-old mare, had already won the Qatar International Trophy twice, in 2006 and 2008 when the race was run over 1,850 meters, and all eyes were on this incredible mare to see if she could make it an historic hat trick today, over the slightly shorter distance. Al Dahma didn’t let us down — not only did she take a third win, but her full brother took third! What a remarkable dynasty and what success for the Umm Qarn breeding program. Jaafer (Amer x Madjete) split the two, coming in second for Al Shahania. The result made for an exciting and memorable conclusion to the day’s racing. The following month Al Dahma won the Emir’s Sword, worth an approximate $900,000, by about a half-length over her four-year-old full brother General, with Khattaf (Djebbel x Altesse d’Arocco) finishing third in the field of 13. The Emir’s Sword was run over about 1 ½ miles on turf. And so concluded another memorable visit to Qatar and its International Equestrian Festival, with facilities and hospitality second to none, beautiful clear blue skies, and some of the finest show and performance Arabians in the world today.
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Q ata r I n t e r n at i o n a l E q u e s t r i a n F e s t i va l o f the arabian horse show results
SENIOR CHAMPION STALLION: Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; RESERVE: Baanderos (Marwan Al Shaqab x HB Bessolea), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; TOP FIVE: BS Paparaazzi (KAR Papageno x Sivka), Shgair Stud Farm, Saudi Arabia; F Shamaal (Maysoun x Sarameena), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; BS Summerset (Taladinn x DP Black Sin Der), Shgair Stud Farm, Saudi Arabia SENIOR CHAMPION MARE: Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; RESERVE: Dorar (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Belquis Al Nasser), Royal Cavalry, Oman; TOP FIVE: Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; FS Premirra (Perlanes Premier x FS Danialas Star), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; Mezna Al Rayyan (Imperial Mahzeer x Ansata Magnifica), Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Ahmed Al Thani, Qatar JUNIOR CHAMPION COLT: El Palacio VO (Al Lahab x El Dorada), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; RESERVE: Amir Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Amira Madrona), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; TOP FIVE: Bilal Al Shaqab Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x Shama Al Shaqab), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; OFW Magic Wan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Magna Prelude), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; Kabsztad (Poganin x Kwestura), Michalów Stud, Poland, and on lease to Athba Stud, Saudi Arabia JUNIOR CHAMPION FILLY: Miss El Power JQ (Power World JQ x Elkada Sahibi), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; RESERVE: Shammaa Al Khalidiah (F Shamaal x Wieza Wiatrow), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; TOP FIVE: Shamah Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x SWF Desert Rose), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; Fedora RG (WH Justice x Psyches Angel), Athba Stud, Saudi Arabia; Adhaba Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x GW Natorious Star), Al Shaqab, Qatar STALLIONS ELEVEN AND OVER (3): 1. BS Summerset (Taladinn x DP Black Sin Der), Shgair Stud Farm, Saudi Arabia; 2. FL Sayawan (Ibn Yathreb x Oml Sanaya Estopa), Athba Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Patriot (Parmant x Kura), Al Matwi, Qatar MARES ELEVEN AND OVER (4): 1. Mezna Al Rayyan (Imperial Mahzeer x Ansata Magnifica), Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Ahmed Al Thani, Qatar; 2. Psynecia SPA (Padrons Psyche x Fairview Amira Nikit), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 3. Amirat Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Imperial Phanilah), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar SEVEN- TO TEN-YEAR-OLD STALLIONS (4): 1. Marwan Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Little Liza Fame), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. F Shamaal (Maysoun x Sarameena), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Al Zeer (Gazal Al Shaqab x Marha), Al Misnad, Qatar SEVEN- TO TEN-YEAR-OLD MARES (6): 1. FS Premirra (Perlanes Premier x FS Danialas Star), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 2. Itlalah (Shalom x Grimasa), Royal Cavalry, Oman; 3. Ghazalah El Gabry (El Basha SKR x Konooz), El Gabry Stud, Egypt FOUR- TO SIX-YEAR-OLD STALLIONS (9): 1. Baanderos (Marwan Al Shaqab x HB Bessolea), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 2. BS Paparazzi (Kar Papageno x Sivka), Shgair Stud Farm, Saudi Arabia; 3. Fahrenheit GAT (El Nabilah B x Hannah K), Athba Stud, Saudi Arabia FOUR- TO SIX-YEAR-OLD MARES (SENIOR) (5): 1. Dorar (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Belquis Al Nasser), Royal Cavalry, Oman; 2. Marylla (Gazal Al Shaqab x Margotka), Shgair Stud Farm, Saudi Arabia; 3. ABA Psynnamon (Psynergy x Sibiria), Royal Cavalry, Oman
Judges (left to right): Holger Ismer, Germany; Dr. Nasr Marei, Egypt; Marek Trela, Poland; Francesco Santoro, Italy; and Maria (Titti) Assunta Gagliani, Italy.
FOUR- TO SIX-YEAR-OLD MARES (JUNIOR) (7): 1. Venetzia (Versace x Giavanna), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Abha Myra (Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjkalba), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 3. Jamilla Al Zobair (Ashhal Al Rayyan x My Silk Stocking), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia THREE-YEAR-OLD COLTS (4): 1. El Palacio VO (Al Lahab x El Dorada), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 2. Kabsztad (Poganin x Kwestura), Michalów Stud, Poland, and on lease to Athba Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Radad (Koronec x Yasmeena), Royal Cavalry, Oman THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLIES (12): 1. Adhaba Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x GW Natorious Star), Al Shaqab, Qatar; 2. Bint Helwah (Gazal Al Shaqab x Bona), Shgair Stud Farm, Saudi Arabia; 3. Danatel Safinat (Al Ward Al Rayyan x Nwoyer), Salehi, Saudi Arabia TWO-YEAR-OLD COLTS (SENIOR) (7): 1. OFW Magic Wan (Marwan Al Shaqab x Magna Prelude), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Jareer Al Khalidiah (Padrons Immage x Barah Al Khalidiah), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Faraa Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x GW Natorious Star), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLIES (SENIOR) (13): 1. Magheeda Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x ZT Maghan), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Aneesat Al Khalidiah (F Shamaal x Perlanes), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Fedora RG (WH Justice x Psyches Angel), Athba Stud, Saudi Arabia TWO-YEAR-OLD COLTS (JUNIOR) (4): 1. Amir Al Shaqab (Gazal Al Shaqab x Amira Madrona), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Nayef Al Shaqab (Ashhal Al Rayyan x Naima Al Shaqab), Al Yousef, Saudi Arabia; 3. Beshr Al Safinat (Rayyan Al Safinat x Dal Macharia), Musleh al Kenzi, Saudi Arabia TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLIES (JUNIOR) (9): 1. Miss El Power JQ (Power World JQ x Elkada Sahibi), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Shammaa Al Khalidiah (F Shamaal x Wieza Wiatrow), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Ghalia Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x Aliaa Al Shaqab), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar YEARLING COLTS (5): 1. Bilal Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x Shama Al Shaqab), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Al Arab Asayel (AJA Sanagor x Baherah Ezzain), Asayel Stud, Egypt; 3. Taymor Saqr (Tallahsman x Amira Saqr), El Talaw, Egypt YEARLING FILLIES (SENIOR) (9): 1. Laian Al Shaqab (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Mesad Al Shaqab), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Noora Al Khalidiah (Padrons Immage x Robin K), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia; 3. Satwat Al Khalidiah (F Shamaal x Psyches Kyss), Al Khalediah Stud, Saudi Arabia YEARLING FILLIES (JUNIOR) (8): 1. Shamah Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x SWF Desert Rose), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 2. Sharifa Al Shaqab (WN Star of Antigua x Shahirat Al Shaqab), Al Shaqab Stud, Qatar; 3. Fayrouz El Hamed (Anobes Al Kozar x Belkis El Hamed), El Din, Egypt
14 ▪ QATAR ▪ WORLD
The Saudi contingent watches their horses with Al Khalediah manager Sheikh Mutlaq bin Mushrif Al Qahtani, second from right.
Sami Al Boanain, General Manager of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.
Majid Nasir Al-Kaabi, Director of the 2009 Qatar International Festival of the Arabian Horse.
Left to right: Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al-Thani, Vice Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.
Left to right: Among the many foreign guest were Christie Metz, Silver Maple Farm, California; Marieta Salas, Ganaderia Ses Planes, Spain; and Lenita Peroy, Haras Meia Lua, Brazil.
15 â–Ş QATAR â–Ş WORLD
State of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club P. O . B o x 7 5 5 9 · D o h a · Q a t a r · T e l : 9 7 4 - 4 8 0 5 9 0 1 / 3 F a x : 9 7 4 - 4 8 0 5 9 9 6
DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY ARABIAN HORSE WORLD
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06-09
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