T H E A R A B I A N
Goodwood 10th Anniversary Special
The Qatar International Stakes
Front cover: 2023 winners Al Ghadeer and Christophe Soumillon
Welcome to this special edition of The Arabian Racehorse previewing the UK's most valuable and prestigious race for Arabians
Year on year Arabian racing continues to grow around the world and with the increase in prize money for such events, such as the HH The Amir Sword, the Saudi Cup, the Dubai World Cup and the Arc de Triomphe meetings, international interest in these races grows with it.
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Debbie Burt
Editor, The Arabian Racehorse
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The UK’s most valuable Arabian race, the Qatar International Stakes, was launched at a press conference in Doha just prior to the 2015 HH The Amir Sword. The Qatar International Equestrian Committee announced that as part of their new alliance with Goodwood for their traditional ‘Glorious’ summer Festival meeting, an Arabian race would be included and it would form the first stage of a new series for Arabians, the Doha Triple Crown
As in Thoroughbred racing, the three stages were over progressively longer distances, Goodwood’s Qatar International Stakes over a mile, ParisLongchamp’s Qatar Arabian World Cup over a mile and a quarter and naturally culminating with Qatar’s most prestigious race for Arabians, the mile and a half HH The Amir Sword Today the prize funds for these Group 1PA races are £400,000 at Goodwood, €1,000,000 in Paris and $2 5 million for the Amir Sword, which also makes it the world’s most valuable race for Arabians
At the launch trainer Julian Smart, who at that time had won three HH The Amir Swords and three Qatar Arabian World Cups said, “It will take a very special horse to win the Qatar Arabian Triple Crown, but the challenge is there now ”
With free nominations at the initial entry stage, the inaugural race gained an impressive 47 entries, though a fee was required to stay in at the second stage. The entries included horses from Qatar, France, Oman and the Netherlands as well as those trained in the UK and were headed by one of the world’s best Arabians, Al Shaqab’s Al Mourtajez. Al Mourtajez had won the 2015 Amir Sword in February, and beat TM Thunder Struck and Sir Bani Yas on his reappearance in Europe in the Coupe Du Sud-Ouest des Pur-Sang Arabes, a Group 3PA at La Teste That course ’ s late June - early July meeting, which also had a fillies and mares Group 2PA (now a Group 1PA) over 1900m has become something of a prep, with Ebraz, Muraaqib and Lady Princess all contesting races there in the run up to Goodwood
In the event, Al Mourtajez didn’t run in the 2015 contest, diverting to another Qatar sponsored Group1PA at Deauville, the Al Rayyan Cup, however Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Sir Bani Yas did run, winning by half a length from the brave Dutch mare Prada T, with Mister Ginoux in the Al Shaqab colours a further three-quarters of a length away in third
Al Mourtajez did win the next year though, beating Prada T and Sir Bani Yas He went on to win the Qatar Arabian World Cup but was beaten by a fouryear-old Ebraz in the Sword, and history would have to wait for its first Doha Triple Crown winner
2017 saw one of the most epic battles in the race ’ s history. As the rain lashed the course throughout the morning, the ground turned to soft and by race time, it was still pouring down. Though only six runners, it quickly turned into a thrilling duel between that year ’ s Sword winner Ebraz and the year older Tayf, each owned and bred by the respective bin Khalifa Al Thani brothers, Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Abdullah. The colts fought it out for the whole last furlong with the Alban de Mieulle trained Tayf just prevailing by a nose on the line This led to the viewers of Racing TV, for whom UK Arabian racing as part of a thoroughbred card was still something of a novelty, to vote it the ‘ race of the day’
The gallant greys returned again, but this time they were beaten by specialist miler, Muraaqib, trained by Francois Rohaut for his breeder, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum The significance of the chestnut colt’s appearance should not be underestimated, as the Goodwood race was run less than a week after Sheikh Hamdan’s Arabian flagship annual event, Dubai International Arabian Races at Newbury Muraaqib had won Newbury’s biggest race two years before, but Rohaut had been adamant that the colt should be aimed at Goodwood It was a gamble that paid off, despite finishing second in the Group race at La Teste, and his win under Jim Crowley can be considered one of the colt’s finest victories
Muraaqib failed to regain his title the next season, with Ebraz finally gaining top spot after two runnerup positions, whilst Tayf was nearly three lengths behind Ebraz had won in La Teste, was decisive at Goodwood, went straight to Paris and scored in the W
to be answered Having already won the race as a four-year-old, could he regain it as a seven-year-old? An emphatic ‘ yes ’ was the answer
As Smart had suggested five years previously, keeping Group 1PA horses at their peak across three different distances in three different countries on mostly variable ground had, until that point, seemed an unsurmountable challenge. Ebraz had done it.
On securing the Doha Triple Crown in 2020 Smart reflected: “We had set out with the Triple Crown as a target when we started running him at Goodwood three years ago. He was second twice and as I’ve always said, the more these Arabian horses mature, the better they become When they are as good as he was at four, it was always something in the back of my mind that we should do, because he is a versatile horse
“It was an amazing achievement, it’s just fantastic for Sheikh Mohammed and Al Shahania Stud and everyone involved to be the first to do it It was something people, even myself, were not sure could ever be accomplished and we have, it’s just amazing really ”
Ebraz went on to gain another first, in winning consecutive Qatar International Stakes, but finally had to concede to the pocket rocket, Lady Princess in 2021, though his record of two wins and three seconds is unlikely to be beaten Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s Lady Princess appeared to be another Triple Crown winner in waiting, but like Al Mourtajez before her, she could win the races, but not in the right order to secure the crown She did manage back-toback Goodwood wins and was aimed at a third, however on her reappearance at la Teste in 2023 her performance was lacklustre and she headed to the paddocks thereafter
With Tayf, Ebraz and Lady Princess retired, this left the field open for an entirely new winner Hot favourite in 2023 was the once beaten Al Ghadeer, fresh from his win in the French Arabian Derby at Chantilly on Prix de Diane day, who was bidding to be the first four-year-old to score It was the first time he had faced older horses in a top-level race, but the manner of his previous victories suggested he was a colt that would be racing at this level for some time
Samlla had tried to do the Derby-Goodwood double the previous year and came up short, finishing third, but was back for more, as was multiple million-dollar winner First Classs, having his first start back after winning Dubai’s Kahayla Classic in March The field included Moshrif, Muraaqib’s slightly more stamina laden half-brother, and AJS Saaeq, winner of Qatar’s most important race over a mile, the Qatar International Cup, as well as the classy filly Sahab.
In an echo of 2017, the rain came, and it didn’t stop. Goodwood’s mile has always been a stout test and on the rain softened turf, Al Ghadeer, in receipt of his age group ’ s weight allowance, confirmed his superiority. First Classs put up a brave effort to finish second, facing ground that would not have suited him, on the back of an already lengthy campaign. Samlla stayed on for third ahead of Moshrif, but it looked like his effort in Saudi earlier that year had left its mark
Al Ghadeer became the first victor in the Qatar International Stakes to be sired by a previous winner in Al Mourtajez and then went on to secure wins in Paris and Doha, to become the second Doha Triple Crown winner after Ebraz
On gaining that success, regular rifer Christophe Soumillon commented, "I am very happy for the entire team, and I want to thank François Rohaut for the excellent work he has done with Al Ghadeer Personally, I didn't feel any pressure On the 1600m at Goodwood, I already knew he was the best Arabian I had ridden in my entire career Then, at Longchamp, he pulled a little, but he still won over 2000m Today, admittedly, it was longer But when horses are good, they're good no matter the conditions! And that's the case with him! It's magical to achieve my first Arabian Doha Triple Crown with him. I preserved him to the maximum in this race, and I hope we still have many great events to experience together!"
A second tilt at the Crown was always on the agenda and after a good break, he sidestepped his La Teste engagement and will head straight to Goodwood, without a prep race, a plan that trainer Francois Rohaut had indicated was most likely. Al Ghadeer is currently on an eight-race winning streak, with the Qatar International Stakes being his first test in Europe this season
An overview of original 12 entries ahead of Sunday’s final declarations, where Al Ghadeer bids to emulate both Ebraz and Lady Princess in winning back-toback contests, and to better Ebraz by winning a second Doha Triple Crown, of which the Qatar International Stakes on July 31, will be the first step. Only Tayf has been successful on the Sussex Downs without a recent prep race
At the time of writing (Wednesday 24 July) the going is Good, Good to Soft in places, dry sunny and warm weather forecast up to racing on Tuesday 30 July, with the chance of a shower on Thursday (24 July)
AL GHADEER OR 130
2019 H Al Mourtajez x Gharraa
O: Al Shaqab Racing B: Mohammed Al Nujaifi
T: Francois Rohaut
Hugely exciting five-year-old who broke the track record when winning last year ’ s Qatar Derby des Pur Sang Arabes (Gr1PA) at Chantilly. Finished second on his juvenile debut in a Group 2PA but has been unbeaten in eight Group races since. He was the highest rated three-year-old ever, was the highest rated four-year-old in Europe last season and is currently the highest rated Arabian in the world
His sire Al Mourtajez still holds the record time for this contest when winning in 2016, with the likelihood of faster ground than the soft Al Ghadeer won on last year, there’s the possibility that he could take his sire’s record Christophe Soumillon, who has ridden him to in all his Group 1PA wins, is expected to ride
AL TAMMTAM OR 97
2018 H TM Fred Texas x Tameemah
O: Al Shaqab Racing B: Al Shaqab Racing
Jean De Mieulle
A winner over 1m3f in Toulouse in his debut season, he has been twice successful in Qatar, including at this trip but is without a black type victory Last seen when finishing eighth in the HH Amir Sword in February
His dam Tammeemah won a Group 3PA over 5f and is from the family of UK Arabian Derby and HH Amir Sword winner, Abbes, with whim he shares his sire, Dubai Kahayla Classic winner, TM Fred Texas.
MWARID OR 112
2016 H Amer x Al Nachmiya
O: Al Shaqab Racing B: Al Shaqab Racing
Jean De Mieulle
Had raced exclusively in Qatar, winning a Group 3PA over 1m3f and runner-up in a Group 1PA over 1m2f, before making his European debut at Goodwood last year Finished sixth to Al Ghadeer, ran poorly in the Qatar Arabian World Cup, but has looked better this season in France, finishing fourth in the Coupe d'Europe des Chevaux Arabes, and second in the Coupe Du Sud-Ouest Des Pur-Sang Arabes
Sire has produced two winners in Ebraz and Tayf, and his dam was the first Group winner for Al Shaqab Racing Has had plenty of chances
SKA DE L’AIGLE OR 109
2019 G Al Mourtajez x Sia
O: Abdullah Fahad AH Al Attiyah B: P Lombrail
Francois Rohaut
Impressed in 2023 with wins in the 1850m HH Amir
Silver Sword for four-year-olds at the HH Amir Sword Meeting and ended the year with success in the Qatar Arabian Derby for four-year-olds, a mile and a quarter Group 2PA contest Group 2PA placed onhis European reappearance at Toulouse and won at that level in Milan in June, both over that Derby trip
Useful gelding, but yet to prove that this is his distance
STORM
TROUPOUR OR 62
2011 H Nivour De Cardonne x ES Ornetta
O: Alexandra Boyes B: Kathy or Paul Smoke
T: Tim Vaughan
Group 3PA winning sprinter rated 111 at his best, who has won over this trip on dirt in the UAE, but in four starts in this race, has finished no closer than eighth. Has been running with credit at a much lower level this season but will be outclassed in this field.
UPSTART CROW OR 92
2017 G Al Jakbar x Merwah
O: Mrs Linda Reeves B: John Elliott & Teresa Kinsey
T: James Owen
Matured and improved for a year off and a change of stables, ending last season as the leading domestic Arabian in the UK with four wins and a Group 3PA placing over this trip on his final start Seems to be more improvement this year, winning on reappearance over 6f and placing in a Group 2PA at the same trip, though is best at this distance and a bit further Suited by any ground but this will be the most competitive race he’s encountered
Sire was A Group 1PA winner at this trip in France and Upstart Crow’s half-brother Hau Kola was seventh in this in 2019
WINDS OF FORTUNE OR 83
2018 H Al Mamun Monlau x A Second Wind
O: Deborah Mihaloff B: A Kirshner or D Mihaloff
T: James Owen
Won over 7f and 1m3f on quick turf in Abu Dhabi over the winter for leading UAE trainer Doug Watson, who holds him in high regard Looked ring rusty on reappearance at Newbury for new yard earlier this month when runner-up over 1m2f, but winner likely to head to the UK Arabian Derby and James Owen felt he’d learned more about the horse for his run. May well run here with the blinkers reapplied and a good show could confirm bigger targets in the winter when reunited with Watson in Dubai.
Sire won the Kahayla Classic, with dual Group 1PA winner Jugurtha De Monlau his best runner to date, whilst dam was a Grade 2 winner over seven furlongs in the USA
AFJAN [EX MAHBOOP] OR 112
2020 C TM Fred Texas x Muzoon
O: Al Shaqab Racing B: Al Shaqab Racing
T: Francois Rohaut
Group 1PA winning three-year old over 1m2f last September, and seen out twice this season, placing in a Group 3PA on reappearance in April, before sixth place effort in the French Arabian Derby in June Yet to attempt a mile or race overseas
Shares his sire with Al Tammtamm, his dam was unraced and has produced a Group 3PA winner over 1900m
AL ZEER OR 109
2020 C Al Mamun Monlau x Assma Al Khalediah
O: Mohammed Fahad AH Al Attiyah B: MBF
T: Francois Rohaut
Listed PA winner over 2000m in the autumn in Toulouse and Group 3PA placed in Doha this winter in the Qatar Arabian Derby for three-year-olds and second in the HH The Amir Silver Sword Finished eighth in the French Arabian Derby on his European reappearance
Shares sire with Winds Of Fortune, dam a three-time winner in France around 2000m who has produced Qatar Arabian World Cup winner and Kahayla Classic runner-up, Fazza Al Khalediah
ABIYAH ATHBAH OR 90
2014 M Jaafer ASF x Burning Fancy
O: Dilmun Racing B: Athbah Stud
T: Mr Peter Hammersley
Fast ground specialist who ran the race of her life to be beaten a short head into fifth in the 2020 running of this contest. Finally got a Group 2PA win in June over six furlongs beating Upstart Crow and Storm Troupour, having had four previous black type placings Game and consistent when faced with fast ground, but age will be against her at this highest level
Six was a multiple Group 1PA winner, dam was Graded sprint winner in the USA
AL WAKRAH OR 105
2018 M TM Fred Texas x Majida
O: Al Shaqab Racing B: Al Shaqab Racing
Jean De Mieulle
Useful mare who has won six times from 7f to 1m2f in France and Qatar, including a French Group 3PA Runner up in a Toulouse Gr2PA on reappearance and the same berth on latest run in a Group 1PA at
La Teste
Another TM Fred Texas product, her dam was a maiden but has produced two other winners including Ghadah who won a Group 1PA in France.
FAREEDHAT EL IZZ OR 85
2020 F Izz Al Khail x Fareedha
O: Al Nujaifi Racing B: Mohammed Al Nujaifi
T: James Owen
Has plenty of experience for a four-year-old, starting her career in Italy before moving to France for two runs earlier this year A free going sort, she was disqualified and placed second over 1m2f in Italy in November for minor interference and won on her UK debut over 7f Subsequently second in a Group 2PA to Abiyah Athbah over 6f, this trip looks ideal, but it will be a big step up in class
Sire was a multiple winner in Iraq and on his French debut, but succumbed to an old injury and was retired to stud Dam was very sound racing over 20 times, winning sprints in Belgium and Holland
