Winning Circle Magazine 2022 by Weatherbys

Pr ed for pr

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TheH.H.TheAmirSwordFestivalhasgrownbeyond beingahorseracingeventatAlRayyanRacecourse Ithasclearlytranscendedthisstagefortheworld’s equestriancommunityingeneralandhorseracing inparticularthroughthegreatdevelopmentit seeseveryyear Theevergrowinginternational representationintheFestivaldemonstrates confidenceinthestandardofQatar’shorseracing andtherichexperiencewehaveaccumulated throughthelargenumberofracemeetings organisedbyandassociatedwithQRECbothin Qatarandabroad Ineachedition,weaimatthe bestorevenbeyondandworktowardsmaximising theresoundingsuccessofthepreciousFestival

Naturally, we have faced challenges and difficulties due to the circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in many sectors worldwide However, we remain focused on realising the goals we aspire to in light of the support we receive from the wise leadership of our country and the commitment of all officials to continuous development and promoting Qatar’s horseracing in terms of both organisation and quality worldwide.

This season, the QREC management has been working on multiple missions whether in terms of the domestic race meetings or the ones we sponsor overseas, especially in France and the UK. We have succeeded to increase the number of race days at home by utilising the Al Uqda Racecourse on a larger scale, which have provided horse owners, trainers and jockeys more options and opportunities. In the meantime, race meetings at Al Rayyan have not been reduced, given its value and importance for the racing community. Expanding the base of Qatari jockeys has been among the other QREC’s activities we have focused on with more opportunities and experience provided to these national talents. Besides, QREC and France Galop have extended the sponsorship agreement of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend to 2027. This renewed partnership reinforces the international stature and prestige of the global event. Thanks to this partnership the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has already been named the best race in the world several times and the last of these was the 2021 renewal. On the other hand, our continued sponsorship of

the Qatar Goodwood Festival conﬁrms QREC’s keenness to fulﬁl its commitments under the agreements we have concluded as expected from a sports organisation representing Qatar.

The 2022 editions of the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival, the Qatar Goodwood Festival and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe come at a time when Qatar is set to host the approaching FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the Arab world and the Middle East for the ﬁrst time. Qatar has already showcased exceptional preparations for the world’s most prestigious football tournament, which will focus the world’s attention on Qatar as a sports leader.

In conclusion, I wish all participants all the best in our most precious horseracing Festival As ever, we will certainly have three days of thrilling racing. I would like to thank the partners of QREC in sponsoring the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival and the various activities of QREC: QNB the Title Sponsor of the Festival and Sponsor of the H.H. The Amir Silver Sword, Al Hazm the Sponsor of the H.H. The Amir Sword, Longines the Sponsor of the H.H. The Amir Trophy, Manateq the Sponsor of the H.H. The Amir Shalfa and Qatar Airways the Official Carrier of the Festival We look forward to a spectacular edition of our premier event.

Issa Bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi Chairman

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

Mountain making he y to the top

QatartrainerDebbieMountainis the2019H.H.TheAmirSw Festivalina positivemood Herhorseshavebeenrunning wellthisseasonandshehaschancesofabesteverscoreintermsofprize-moneyearnings–herstableiscurrentlyon143,265QR,theQatar Derby(G1)wininDecemberbyFullMoonthe highlightoftheseasonsofar.

Sponsor

Unfortunately, Mountain suffered mixed emotions immediately after that Group 1 race – obviously delighted by the performance of her bay colt, her concerns were with the well-being of her runner Prepare For Battle, who pulled up in the race.

”I was collecting the prize, but I really wanted to get to see Prepare For Battle and see how he was; I was more worried about him than winning the race – it was a strange day,“ admits Mountain.

A knowledgeable and focused horsewoman, horses have long formed the backbone to Mountain’s life

A wonderful meeting in prospect

Internationalchallengers takeonthetopdomesticrunners:theHHTheAmirSwordmeetingfor2022 promisestobearealthrill

The 2022 HH The Amir Sword Festival promises to be exciting as ever with 329 entries for the seven international races for Arabians and thoroughbreds

Of those, 60 entries are from overseas, with possible representatives from France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Oman and the UK, all seeking a place at Qatar’s seasonal racing highlight.

The Festival culminates with the HH The Amir Sword (Gr1PA) in which the first three home from last year could all reoppose. Last year’s race winner Mon’nia broke the track record, however it is unlikely that her opponents will allow her such a soft lead this time around. Her stablemate Ebraz is bidding for an unprecedented fourth win in the race, but in current form may have to settle for a placing again. Since placing third in the race last year, the consistent Lady Princess has not been out of the first two, winning the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood and the Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi, bringing her tally of Group 1PA wins to five.

However, the 2400m contest is certainly not going to be a three-horse race with the Qatar Arabian World Cup winner Hoggar De L’Ardus likely to make the journey to Al Rayyan from France, alongside Lady Princess Accompanying them could be the 2021 HH The Amir Silver Sword winner Munir Du Soleil, who was a close second in a recent All-Weather outing at Pau. The UK Arabian Derby winner Abbes was only just beaten by Mwarid in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy (Gr3PA) last month; both horses are open to more improvement.

The HH The Amir Trophy is run over the same distance and Noor Al Hawa will be expected to put up a strong defence of his title having been unbeaten in all his starts this season. He has been trained with this race in mind.

French King, the 2020 winner is on the comeback trail, whilst the UK could send a strong challenge with Fox Tal, Outbox and Fancy Man, who are all possibles for the race, along with the French-trained Mutabahi. The Qatar Guineas and Derby winner Saqr is another potential contender for Noor Al Hawa’s crown, as well as Hellenistique, though he’ll need to improve on last year’s third.

In the Qatar International Cup (Gr1PA), the top-rated Almafjar could make his Qatari debut. A four-time winner

in France, his victories including a Group 2PA, he could re-oppose Lamet Shamel who beat him in a similar contest in Baden-Baden in September. Jabalah advertised his wellbeing with a win in the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalfa Al Thani Cup (Gr2PA), and his stablemate, the Qatar Oaks winner Queenshala, could take him on again. The improving four-year-olds, the Group 1PA winner Samlla and the twotime Group 3PA winner Moharram, will have the beneﬁt of allowances and could also feature.

The Al Rayyan Mile could be an opportunity for Scherzo to build on his recent success in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy. Fourth in that race was Nuance, who steps up to the mile having twice won over 1400m in the UK and on his arrival in Qatar when he won the Al Rayyan Stakes. Trying the mile could be Irish raider Hadman, who was Group 3 placed at The Curragh in July and won his prep race at Dundalk last month. The UK-trained Al Marmar has had two outings on the All-Weather in the UK at this trip, placing on debut and winning at the turn of the year

The consistent Taxiwala looks certain to be in the mix for the Dukhan Sprint – the ﬁve-year-old gelding has won and placed in three starts this season, most recently in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani - Thoroughbred Sprint. Third then was Millau who could be thereabouts again, along with another dependable performer X Force. This race has the most overseas entries with 14, and Lord Of The Lodge looking interesting from the UK. Runner-up in a Group 3 in Ireland in June, he has since won twice on the All-Weather this winter, including last time out.

Ireland will be hoping to win again in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup over a mile on the Friday undercard. Pretreville and San Andreas, look the likeliest challengers, who may be joined by France’s, Pao Alto. Umm Qarn Trophy winner, Seeyoubyme, and the Group 3 QA Barzan Cup winner Zyzzyva could head the domestic challenge.

Run over the same distance, Friday’s highlight for Arabians is The Gulf Cup for Gulf-breds Last year’s one-two Ghannam and Aahil both have entries, whilst from Oman, Al Mustaﬁz and Kaif Tara could also take their chances. AJS Sarhan won the local bred Derby in December and could be open to further improvement.

ALMAS QA CHESTNUT,1999,TOSTUD2011

GR.1 WINNER OF H.H. THE EMIR’S SWORD AND H.H. THE HEIR APPARENT TROPHY HALF BROTHER TO JAAFER, MULTIPLE GR.1 WINNER WHO ALSO WON THE EMIR’S SWORD FROM THE FAMILY OF SIRES DJAMEL, DORMANE, MEBROUK AND MADJEL

QATAR NATIONAL STUD STALLIONS

DEBAAL USA

CHESTNUT,2011,TOSTUD2021

A FULLBROTHER TO TALENTED TM FRED TEXAS, WHO WAS A THREETIME GROUP 1PA WINNER OF THE UAE CUP STAKES TWICE AND THE DUBAI KAHAYLA CLASSIC, THE BEST 4YO COLT AND HORSE OF THE YEAR 2011 IN USA. DAM IS AN UNRACED HALF SISTER TO ATEEJ, RUNNERUP IN THE QATAR INTERNATIONAL CUP

MU’AZZAZ QA GREY,2004,TOSTUD2013

A NINETIME WINNER, INCLUDING THE GROUP 1PA WINNER OF THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL STAKES, THE GROUP 2PA INTERNATIONAL STAKES AND THE AL ROMAIHI CUP FULL BROTHER TO THE BRILLIANT 19 TIME WINNER EBRAZ, A THREETIME HH AMIR SWORD WINNER, AND MARED AL SAHRA, ALSO WINNER OF THE HH THE AMIR SWORD.

PHARFADET FR

MEBROUK FR CHESTNUT,1996,TOSTUD2010

GR.1 AND TRACK RECORD SETTING WINNER OF H.H. THE EMIR’S SWORD FULL BROTHER TO DORMANE, CHAMPION ARABIAN RACING SIRE OF HIS GENERATION OUT OF THE INFLUENTIAL FOUNDATION MARE MANDORE AND BY CHAMPION MANGANATE

CHESNUT,2006,TOSTUD2012

HALF BROTHER TO QATAR OAKS WINNER MAXENSSE, OUT OF THE SIX TIME GR.1 WINNER MY PRINCESSE FROM A STRONG GR.1 WINNING FAMILY THAT INCLUDES THE SIRES DJEBBEL, MAJD EL ARAB AND DJELMIDOR

SAND VICTOR USA GREY,2011,TOSTUD2021

A GRADE STAKES WINNER BY THE MOST PROLIFIC AMERICAN SIRE AND A DAM FROM THE BEST FRENCH BLOODLINE

Victoryheadlining awonderfulrenewalin2021

Held in the presence of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the HH The Amir Sword Festival, as always, produced a meeeting of top quality racing.

The 2021 edition concluded with a magniﬁcent display from HE Sheikha Yasmeen Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Mon’nia, who broke the track record in the HH The Amir Sword, the feature event for Arabians

Though all eyes had been on the Julian Smart-trained, threetime winner Ebraz, it was his stablemate, the ﬁve-year-old mare Mon’nia, who stole the show

Racing prominently under jockey Tomas Lukasek, the pair moved to the front with 800m to go, accelerating away and gaining an advantage that could not be bettered. Though HE Sheikha Reem Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa’s Ebraz and Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s Lady Princess made in-roads into her lead, Mon’nia was just too good. She won in a record time of 2.36.40 for the 2400m contest.

She showed plenty of promise for the future and is a full-sister to Assy, the ﬁrst Qatari local-bred winner of the race back in 2014.

NOOR AL HAWA KEEPS UNBEATEN RECORD IN THE TROPHY

Al Wasmiyah Farm’s thoroughbred Noor Al Hawa continued his remarkable streak and remained unbeaten through the 2020-21 season when taking the HH The Amir Trophy

Noor Al Hawa’s win in the Qatari Group 1 the HH The Amir Trophy was certainly not unexpected as the eight-year-old son of Makﬁ had been foot perfect in all his starts through the season for trainer George Mikhalides. Partnered by Alberto Sanna, the pair settled in behind Off He Goes who set a steady pace. Waiting until the 400m mark to make a move, Noor Al Hawa readily put several lengths between him and the secondplaced Berkshire Rocco, trained by Andrew Balding. Though the UK challenger gave chase, there was still almost 3l between them at the line with Injaaz Stud’s Hellenistique a quarter of a length in third.

METHGAL OVERCAME STALL 15 TO WIN THE INTERNATIONAL CUP

The Qatar International Cup (Gr1PA) was won for a second consecutive year by HE Sheikha Reem Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa’s Methgal, who was given a difficult draw in stall 15 in the mile contest. He was quickly away and jockey Maxime Guyon soon had the ﬁve-year-old grey well positioned in the middle of the ﬁeld, as the regular front runner Al Naama, forged ahead.

With 300m to go, Guyon unleashed Methgal who showed good speed up the outside reaching the mare by the 100m mark, and, in a matter of strides, it was all over Methgal ﬁnished three-quarters of a length in front of Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Naama, with Injaaz Stud’s Arguya over a length away in third. Methgal’s victory gave trainer Smart three consecutive wins in the race.

GREAT SUCCESS FOR OWNER KHALIFA BIN SHEAIL AL KUWARI

Owner Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari scored a one-two in the Qatari Group 2 Al Biddah Mile – Devious Company returned to the form of his two-year-old campaign to win by a length from Pom Malpic Trained by Mohammed Ghazali and ridden by Guyon, it was the gelded son of Fast Company’s ﬁrst attempt at the mile trip. Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Thunderstone was third

It was a fantastic meeting for Al Kuwari – the owner was also successful in the HH The Amir Shalfa with the Zhuhair Mohsentrained King Pacha scoring decisively under Julien Auge. Al Kuwari had to settle for the runner-up spot in the HH The Amir Silver Sword for local owners, when Abdullah Bin Fahad Al Attiyah’s Munir Du Soleil landed the spoils under Tomas Lukasek for Thomas Fourcy, ﬁnishing three lengths ahead of Hidalgo Du Croate.

TAXIWALA TOOK IT TO FOUR WINS IN 2020-21 IN THE SPRINT

The Qatari Group 3 Dukhan Sprint produced a close ﬁnish between Osama Omer Al-Defa’s Taxiwala and Ibrahim Al Malki’s Zyzzyva with only half a length separating them at the line X Force, also trained by Al Malki, took the third spot. Taxiwala, also ridden by Sanna, had been in ﬁne form and the four-year-old son of Holy Roman Emperor was recording his fourth win of the season.

DEBUT WIN IN QATAR FOR IRISH TRAINER ADO MCGUINNESS

Friday’s feature race, the Qatari Group 2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup, was narrowly won by Total Recall Racing Club’s Bowerman, trained in Ireland by Adrian McGuinness and ridden by Ronan Whelan. It was a ﬁrst runner and a ﬁrst success in Qatar for McGuinness

Prix de l Arc de Triomphe Update

QRECrenewssponsorshipofthebestraceintheworld,theQatarPrixdel’ArcdeTriomphe Thenewfive-yearagreement”standsoutforitsextraordinarylongevity”

France Galop and the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) have conﬁrmed an extension of their sponsorship agreement of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.

The renewal of this important partnership for French racing covers a period of ﬁve years, from 2023 to 2027. In the world of sport, this sponsorship agreement stands out for its extraordinary longevity. Initiated in 2008 for a period of ﬁve years (2008-2012), in 2010 it was extended

for a further 12 years until 2022. This new extension will now run until 2027.

The renewed partnership reinforces the prestige of a racing weekend, staged in the autumn on the ﬁrst weekend in October, that includes no less than 12 Group 1 races (including four dedicated to Purebred Arabian races) and offers total prize-money of €10 million.

H.E. Issa Bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Chairman of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club said: ”We are very

pleased to announce the renewal of the partnership between QREC and France Galop to 2027 to continue and enhance our sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, which started 14 years ago.

”It has been a journey of exemplary success and mutual beneﬁt over the years, and we are conﬁdent more successes are ahead. The long-standing, yet ever developing, relationship between QREC and France Galop is entering a new era with our renewed partnership further reinforcing our position on the

international stage as it now comprises the top two thoroughbred races in France.“

The two days of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, together with a Friday meeting at SaintCloud racecourse, are the main targets for Europe’s best horses at the end of the season. Two iconic races of the weekend will offer record prize-money: the €5m Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the €1m Qatar Arabian World Cup, the world’s most prestigious race for Purebred Arabians

QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE: ONCE AGAIN THE BEST RACE IN THE WORLD

The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has been named the best race in the world for the ﬁfth time thanks to this partnership.

On January 25, 2022, Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), the co-organiser of the Longines World Racing Awards, announced that the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe had once again been named the best race in the world, based on the official rankings.

The international stature of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has grown stronger with each renewal and the historic race has reinforced its leadership It is now broadcast live in 60 countries.

Since the inception of the Longines ceremony in 2015, the Arc has been named the best race in the world ﬁve times –2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and in 2021

EVEN STRONGER: QATAR PRIX DU JOCKEY CLUB PART OF THE AGREEMENT

This partnership also includes the title of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, an agreement which has been in place since 2021.

The Prix du Jockey Club, seen as a ”stallion-making“ race, is run over 2100m and takes place each year in June at Chantilly. The partnership with the QREC strengthens the French Derby’s high level of prize-money of €1.5 million.

H.E. Issa Bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi said: ”Under the renewed agreement, the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club is now part of sponsorship agreement along with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

”We are also very proud that since 2008 we have been supporting Purebred Arabian races in France and we will continue promoting the Qatar Arabian World Cup and the other premier Arabian races at the French racecourses in the coming years. Our sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is key in implementing QREC’s strategy and realising its vision of promoting Qatar as a world hub for horseracing and a leader in the pure Arabian breed

”Every year, it highlights Qatar pioneering efforts in promoting Arabian racing by having the Qatar Arabian World Cup staged along with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp on the same day.

”The outcome has been excellent with increasing numbers of Qatari horse owners investing and running their horses in France and worldwide. Another added value of this renewed partnership with France Galop and the association with the iconic event is that it has focused attention on Qatar’s racing topped by the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival.“

Edouard de Rothschild, President of France Galop, added: ”France Galop is delighted to be associated with such a loyal and committed partner as the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. Together, we have developed the international reputation of the prestigious Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, which thanks to its high-level sporting programme is considered one of the most important events in the international horseracing calendar.

”This event is a fantastic showcase of the racing industry, renowned for the quality of its breeding and training program. We are extremely pleased to extend this great partnership.“

Big plans for the Attiyah brothers

MohammedandAbdulla binFahadAl-AttiyahchatabouttheirstringofArabianracehorses

The name Al-Attiyah is fast becoming a leading force in horseracing, not just in Qatar, but in Europe as well The 2021 HH The Amir Sword Festival saw great success for the family with Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor Al Hawa winning the HH The Amir Trophy, while Abdullah Bin Fahad Al-Attiyah’s Munir Du Soleil won the HH The Amir Silver Sword. They are hoping for more of the same this year

Whilst Al Wasmiyah Farm is concentrating on thoroughbreds, with horses such as Zellie winning the Group 1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac at the Arc meeting, Abdullah and his older brother Mohammed are focussed on the Purebred Arabians

Mohammed explains: ”Al Wasmiyah Farm is owned by our ﬁrst cousins. Though our horses race in different silks, we are like one team, working together. There is also no rivalry between my brother and I. When the time comes to select horses to run in our colours, we discuss it and choose which ones we like, we are not competitive between ourselves, it is all for the family.“

The brothers have always been interested in horseracing and they have now expanded their interests beyond the racetrack and into breeding. Currently their Arabians are based at the Haras du Saubouas in the south-west of France and are bred under the banner of MBF (for Mohamed bin Fahad)

Mohammed continues: ”We now have 25 to 30 Arabian broodmares and after this coming foaling season

I think we’ll have close to 80 young horses on the ground So far it is going well, boarding in France, but in the future, we may have our own private stud –why not?“

The brothers are happy with their ﬁrst crop to race, with the ﬁllies Sahab and Thi Qar coming to the fore.

Sahab, in particular, looks an exciting prospect – she ﬁnished runner-up by a head in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1 PA) at Saint-Cloud having won on her debut and been placed in two other blacktype races in France.

After arriving in Doha late in 2021 she ﬁnished a creditable second in the Qatar Derby (Gr3 PA) for three-year-olds to the smart Moshrif, who had won the corresponding colts Group1PA at Saint-Cloud.

Sahab has gone on to win the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for four-year-olds and is now the family’s main hope to repeat Munir Du Soleil’s victory at the Festival Both ﬁllies have joined trainer Alban de Miuelle for the Qatar season.

”Sahab will go to the Silver Sword,“ says Mohammed, adding: ”Hopefully, we can win it for a second year in a row. Afterwards she will have a short break at the Haras du Saubouas and then she will return to Thomas Fourcy for a summer campaign.“

Unsurprisingly the summer campaign for Sahab will have the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments, the four-year-old ﬁllies Group 1PA held on the Saturday of Arc weekend at Longchamp, as her goal.

Joining her in the Silver Sword will be Thi Qar, winner of the Qatar Oaks for three-year-olds in December

Mohammed continues: ”Thi Qar raced in France in my colours, but in Doha her jockey will be wearing the silks of one of my young cousins. After the Silver Sword she will also go to France for a break and then be back in my colours in the care of Xavier Thomas Demeaulte for the European season.“

Facing a similar agenda will be another four-year-old filly Monda, who was bought after the Pouliches having finished a head behind Sahab in third. Monda will travel over from France to join the other fillies in the Silver Sword, and will race in the colours of one of the cousins. Also purchased last autumn was the Silver Sword thirdplaced, Djafar. Now with Gassim Ghazali, this season he won the Arabian Guineas for four-year-olds, though has disappointed since. Of his form Abdulla said: ”Djafar had a setback, we found he has a few issues after the last race, however we expect he will be back for the mile Qatar International Cup. If that goes well, he would be considered for the Group 1 Qatar International Stakes over a mile at Goodwood.“

The Silver Sword win is naturally something that the brothers want to repeat. Their winner last year Munir Du Soleil had caught their eye in training as Abdulla explains: ”We saw him at Thomas Fourcy’s in France and bought half before he ran at three years, with the intention to buy the remainder if he showed something special on his debut.“

Munir Du Soleil finished a close third, whilst the winner of that race, HM Jalfane, another Fourcy-trained runner, was also purchased. Following his Silver Sword win, Munir Du Soleil went onto finish second in a French Group 3, separating the UK Arabian Derby winner Abbes and the Qatar Arabian World Cup winner Hoggar De L’Ardus. He has just finished second to the Dubai Kahayla Classic (Gr1PA) winner Deryan in a conditions event on the All-Weather at Pau.

”Munir will go to the Amir Sword and then possibly the Kahayla Classic at the Dubai World Cup, or maybe the Gold Sword in Doha,“ reports his owner. ”We ﬁnished close to Deryan when not fully ﬁt, so we were pleased with that run. In 2020 we bought seven or eight horses, Munir Du Soleil and HM Jalfane have been the best.“

HM Jalfane went on to win a Group 3PA contest in France before heading out to Doha in the autumn of 2020 where he joined the stable of de Mieulle. Since his arrival he has ﬁnished runner-up in the Qatar Derby and was ﬁfth to Munir Du Soleil in the Silver Sword.

He stayed in Qatar and this season has won two conditions races, including the four-year-old Derby Trial and was an impressive winner of the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy on his most recent start. His latest goal is further aﬁeld and he will represent the family in the Al Mneefah Cup, a new Turf race for Arabians held as part of the Saudi Cup ﬁxture. A good run there could also see the Kahayla Classic come under consideration, followed by a break in Qatar.

International competition at the highest level is what the brothers aim for their horses, as Mohammed explains: ”We want to be at the big races, such as the Qatar International at Goodwood and those at the Arc meeting. We like to start in Europe and go on to the Gulf. So far, we are really happy with the way things are going globally in Arabian racing, we are really pleased with what is happening now in the Arabian world.“

Abdulla agrees saying: ”I want the best for the Arabian horses. We had Coeursamba, who won the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches last year, so, of course I like thoroughbred races, but it is a shame that Arabian horses are not valued like thoroughbreds are when they win the Pattern races.

”Racing in Qatar is getting better and better, though we need to try to improve further, to raise the level of the handicaps and raise the prize-money, to encourage people to aim higher and buy better horses. With the ability to race anywhere in the Gulf now, the market is moving again and getting stronger.“

When asked about the impact football’s World Cup, due to be staged in November, may have on racing in Qatar, Mohammed says: ”At the moment obviously the focus here is on football, but hopefully there will be a big change for racing after the World Cup. I think horseracing here can hold its own against the football. In the next couple of years, we could see something really huge with horseracing in Qatar. If we can develop a new track, something really special for international competition and work towards a Qatar World Cup for horseracing, that would be the goal.“

Questions for the Trainer:

I Ibrahim Al Malki m Al

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN RACING?

I have always liked horses and used to ride a lot. Before I came to the racing club, I used to ride my horse on the beach and that was where I met Hassan Al Matwi and he convinced me to join the Racing & Equestrian Club as I loved horses and horseracing.

WHEN DID YOU START TRAINING? WAS IT ALWAYS A CAREER PLAN FOR YOU?

I joined the Racing & Equestrian Club in 1989 and started training racehorses the season of 1989 – 1999 It was never a career plan for me, it just sort of happened and continued from there.

HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT TRAINING?

By looking, listening and doing research I gained a lot of my knowledge when I worked as an assistant trainer in Germany. As a horseman I believe that you can never know everything there is to know about horses and there is always something new to be learnt

HOW MANY HORSES DO YOU HAVE IN TRAINING?

SINCE 2016-1027 SEASON YOU HAVE CONSISTENTLY HAD OVER 30 WINNERS A SEASON AND FINISHED IN THE TOP FIVE, WHAT DO YOU PUT YOUR CONSISTENT SUCCESS DOWN TO?

If I am going to train horses, I put it in my mind to be in the top ﬁve – I work hard, and my team works hard alongside me. It is our goal to be on the top and this is how we have been consistently successful.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS ON THE RACECOURSE?

When I won the HH The Amir Trophy It also was a great success for me when I won a couple of the Derby and International races, but the main highlight in my career as a horse trainer was winning the HH The Amir Trophy.

YOU HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT HORSES AT TATTERSALLS, WHY DO YOU LIKE TO BUY IN NEWMARKET AND IN ENGLAND?

I have bought horses in England since many years back and I know how things work there. I know the people, trainers and horses who suit our track, so it is easy for me to purchase horses from there. But it is not necessary to just purchase horses from England as you can ﬁnd good racehorses in different countries, for example I purchased Zyzzyva from France and Logic Way from America.

ARE ARABIANS OR THOROUGHBREDS VERY DIFFERENT TO TRAIN?

Yes, the Arabians are different to train from the Thoroughbreds, but it is not a difficult task if you know your horses and are able to train each horse to its own needs.

IT MUST BE A GREAT BENEFIT AS A TRAINER TO HAVE TWO RACECOURSES NOW IN QATAR?

Yes, of course having two racetracks is always better than just one It is beneﬁcial to the trainers to be able to choose a race on a surface and track that is best suited to an individual horse. It gives each horse the best chance of running to its full potential and winning.

GIVE US A HORSE IN YOUR TEAM TO LOOK OUT FOR?

Every season we have a different horse that shines and stands out. This season we are lucky enough to have more than just one Horses to look out for this season are In The Night, Zyzzyva, Jabalaly and Karbasann.

YOU HAVE WON THE QATARI HORSE TRAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD, IT MUST BE A GREAT HONOUR

Yes, it is a great honour and I look forward to being successful every season and trying to be the best Qatari trainer.

WHAT HORSES WILL YOU ENTER FOR THE BIG MEETING? IT MUST BE A FANTASTIC EVENING TO BE ABLE TO RACE HORSES AT THE HH THE AMIR SWORD MEETING?

Jabalaly, Zyzzyva and In The Night will be taking part in the international races. I am hoping to run Karbasann in the HH The Amir Shalfa and we will also have a couple of other runners on this big day taking part in the races. We are always looking forward to these big meetings and having the opportunity to run our horses.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR ZYZZYVA?

I hope he is going to win the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup! We will have to see what happens on that day – JABALALY is also entered in the race and he is also a very good horse

WOULD YOU TRAVEL ABROAD TO RACE YOUR HORSES?

Yes, I have done it in the past, and I will do it again if I have the right horse for a speciﬁc race

WHICH HORSE IF ANY THAT YOU HAVE SEEN RACE, IN QATAR OR ABROAD, WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE TRAINED?

Well, there are so many good horses abroad that it is impossible to choose, but in Qatar I would liked to have trained Ebraz and have won the HH The Amir Sword with him.

THE CONTINUING AND ONWARD DEVELOPMENT OF QATAR’S RACING, SUCH STRONG SUPPORT BY QREC AND THE GOALS THAT THE ORGANISATION HAS, MUST MEAN THAT IT IS VERY EXCITING TO BE INVOLVED IN THE SPORT?

It is a great honour to be part of the sport in Qatar and being able to see all the positive changes that have taken place over the years. I am looking forward to seeing even further development and progress from QREC to ensure racing in Qatar grows and stays at an international level.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS AS A RACEHORSE TRAINER?

My ambition is to always be on the top with my team

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HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN RACING?

From an early age we used to come to QREC, especially during race meetings, with our father, who was then the Racing Manager.

DID YOU START TOGETHER? WHAT AGE WERE YOU BOTH?

RASHID: Officially, yes and I was 18

METEB: I was nine when I ﬁrst started horse riding, but I started riding in races when I was 17 in line with the rules.

HOW DID YOU LEARN TO RIDE AND ABOUT RACE RIDING?

Our father used to teach and encourage us from an early age and we trained under his instructions Later, we went to South Africa where we joined the Jockey Academy in 2016.

YOU MUST HAVE HAD LOTS OF SUPPORT FROM QREC?

That’s true and we do thank QREC for their efforts and support. Certainly, QREC’s support has been a main reason why we’ve continued this career.

HAVE YOU BOTH TRAVELLED ABROAD TO LEARN? IF SO, WHERE DID YOU GO AND HOW IMPORTANT WAS THAT FOR YOU BOTH?

Yes! As we mentioned earlier, thanks to the efforts of QREC management, we travelled to South Africa in two consecutive years. We learned a lot and gained plenty of experience and new skills at the racecourses of the South Africa.

THERE MUST BE SOME COMPETITIVE RIVALRY BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU?

RASHID: Yes, for sure!

METEB: I always tell Rashid verses of my own that we must always up and willing to challenge as this is the key to glory.

WHAT IS IT LIKE RIDING AGAINST EACH OTHER IN RACES, ESPECIALLY IF YOU BOTH HAVE A CHANCE?

These are the times when the spirit of competition begins and excitement and suspense prevail. However, the success of any Qatari jockey makes us and everyone happy, even if any of us is his main rival.

MUST BE GREAT TO SEE THE OTHER ONE WIN?

Yes, and no doubt about it.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT WINNERS FOR YOU BOTH?

RASHID: There have been many horses and some of them have developed into racing stars.

METEB: For me Doha Incanto, and I believe I Am Thunder for Rashid. GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF A USUAL DAY’S ROUTINE. DO YOU GET A CHANCE TO RELAX OR IT IS ALL RACING?

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We spend the day at college and studying. In the afternoon, we go to our own stable to ride, check the welfare and training of horses. Well, in the racing world, there’s no time for rest.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE HORSE THAT YOU HAVE RIDDEN?

All the winners we ride are special and it’s hard to nominate just one out of the hundreds we have ridden

IF YOU COULD RIDE ANY HORSE, WHO IS RACING NOW OR IS RETIRED, AND BASED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

RASHID: The American-bred Justify.

METEB: The legendary Frankel.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR CAREER?

RASHID: Our goal is to top the jockeys’ standings in Qatar and leave our mark on the international stage.

METEB: To make history and reach the top. Here, I recall a couple of verses of my own poems that one should work hard and have strong determination or they will never reach their goals. Like anyone else, I have my own ambition and I’ll realise it.

WHAT MOUNTS DO YOU THINK YOU WILL HAVE ON THE BIG RACE DAY?

There’s no particular horse, but we hope to ride the best available horses.

IT MUST BE VERY EXCITING TO BE INVOLVED IN THE AMIR SWORD RACE DAY?

Yes, of course. Well, it will also be fantastic to win not only to ride.

WHAT IS IT LIKE RIDING AGAINST THE TOP INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS WHO VISIT QATAR?

We are proud to take on the top international jockeys. We have already ridden winners against many of them and this fact deﬁnitely raises our morale and conﬁdence to the utmost We hope to reach and even exceed their level.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO RIDE ABOARD, WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO GO?

We would choose Newmarket racecourse for sure as that is where many of the world’s renowned jockeys, such as Frankie Dettorie, are based.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU BOTH TO BE INVOLVED IN HORSERACING IN QATAR?

To represent Qatari jockeys at home and Qatar when we travel abroad. Riding in races is part of our life and we can’t live without it. Sports is life as described by its pioneers.

qd ff s da off ne tiions

It has been an exciting time for racing in Qatar, and the last year has seen perhaps one of the important developments in recent times – the start of racing on the new track at Al Uqda

On January 30, 2021, Umm Bab, trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Carlos Henrique, made history by winning the ﬁrst race staged at Al Uqda, a maiden over 1300m for Purebred Arabians

The race kicked off the six-race mixed Arabian and thoroughbred card of the First Trial Race Meeting at Al Uqda with Cotai Again taking the ﬁrst thoroughbred race under Marco Casamento for trainer Gassim Ghazli.

Following the success of the few race days held there in the 2020-2021 season, a separate official 15-race day programme has been developed for Al Uqda this season.

On November 13, 2021, AJS Al Mared, trained by M.H.K. Al Attiyah and ridden by Szecepan Mazur, won the ﬁrst race staged at Al Uqda under

“More

horses, more stables and more owners,“ says Bughaniam

the new programme, a handicap over 1400m for local Arabians.

The race opened the six-race mixed Arabian and thoroughbred card with Hungry For Fashion taking the ﬁrst thoroughbred race for trainer Gassim Ghazli and ridden by jockey David Allen.

Since then 14 meetings have been held this season and the course has become established as a part of the Qatar racing schedule

Trainer Osama Al-Dafea trained Al Mahyoub to win the Umm Swayya Cup for local Arabians at the second meeting on November 20.

”It was an honour and a thrill to win at the course,“ he says. ”The new course will open up a lot of opportunities in Qatar for racing.“

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He adds: ”The feedback is very good from the jockeys regarding the turf track and it is a bigger course than Al Rayyan.“

Leading jockey Faleh Bughanaim has had a good season on the course and has ridden six winners at Al Uqda already, and rode a winner at the 12th meeting and just before talking for this piece. He is very positive about the course and the impact it could have on the development on racing in Qatar.

”The track is very good,“ he says. ”The grass is fantastic when you go around the bend you feel very good and comfortable with the horse, the horses move well.“

With a long home straight, Bughanaim believes Al Uqda needs a different riding style than Al Rayyan

”At Al Uqda the races are run slower and you can save your horse, you can stay back and you can win from last – in the handicaps at Al Rayyan you always need to be near the front,“ he explains, adding: ”The course is more like some of those in Europe.“

Both he and Al-Dafea believe the impact of the course could be very important.

”Al Uqda means that the course at Al Rayyan can be rested,“ says

Al-Dafea, who also has been using Al Uqda as a base to educate his younger horses. ”There are horses who do not win at Al Rayyan, but who seem to prefer Al Uqda.“

Bughanaim says: ”There are more options for horses in Qatar now. The track could be very important in future. I think we should have more meetings, but we are still trying the track and ﬁnding out what is working best.

”Now we can have three or four days of racing a week There are more options, more horses and more owners as there are more stables at Al Uqda and more facilities.“

With a new grandstand being built and plans for a straight 5f, the future certainly looks exciting for racing in Qatar.

Meanwhile, the point of focus for all jockeys and trainers in Qatar is back at Al Rayyan for the HH The Amir Sword Festival – Bughanaim has rides for Al Shaqab Racing, while Al-Dafea looks forward to running his leading sprinter Taxiwala, winner of January’s HE Sheikh Joann Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy.

The future looks bright for all.

Queen takes the Guineas by Storm

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The Guineas meeting highlights the best young milers in Qatar and Umm Qarn’s Queen Storm, trained by Alban De Mieulle, was the decisive winner of the Local Thoroughbred Guineas.

The lightly raced three-year-old ﬁlly had won by a head on her debut just two weeks beforehand in a maiden plate, however the margin here was more substantial. She was settled off the pace by jockey Ronan Thomas, but when asked to quicken in the straight only Ibrahim Al-Malki’s Al Gamamah could go with her. Under further pressure Queen Strom quickly went to the lead to win by an easy two and a half lengths. Abdulatif Hussain Al-Emadi’s That, who had been the runner-up on Queen Storm’s debut, took third

GUINEAS DOUBLE FOR GHAZALI

The Purebred Arabian Guineas for four-year-olds was won in impressive fashion by Abdullah Bin Fahad Al Attiyah’s Djafar. The son of Dahess

raced just off the pace in the early stages, but, given a very positive ride by David Allan, was challenging for the lead as they rounded the turn to the home straight. The colt showed a good turn of foot and was soon several lengths clear of the eventual second and third, Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik’s Tarek Du Soleil and Nayef Bin Sharida Al Kaabi’s First Classs Although the gap had diminished on the line, it was clear that Djafar had their measure. Bought in France and now in the care of trainer Gassim Ghazali, Djafar extended his unbeaten run in Doha to three.

Ghazali doubled up in the Thoroughbred Guineas, a Qatari Group 3, producing Saqr to win for owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari Listed placed at two in France, he lost his way in Qatar last winter, but has been in much better form this season

After making the frame on his reappearance, he won next time out, a performance which proved to be

an ideal preparation for the Guineas. Settled in mid-division by Marco Casamento, the pair worked their way to the front in the straight and were just able to repel the late challenge of Umm Qarn’s King Shalaa. US Cliff and Thunderstone, both owned by Al Wasmiyah Farm, dead-heated for third.

BRAZAN CUP ANNEXED BY ZYZZYVA

The Qatari Group 3 Barzan Cup, also over a mile, went the way of Zyzzyva, who is owned and trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. The six-year-old gelded son of Siyouni was never out of the ﬁrst four and readily made his move for jockey Tomas Lukasek with less than 400m to go. Abdulatif Hussain Al-Emadi’s Pazeer was the best of the rest but could get no closer than three-quarters of a length behind in second. The fast-ﬁnishing Dark Pursuit, owned by Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri, was a further length adrift in third place.

Derby Day produces top class results at Al Rayyan

SaqrtakestheGroup1highlightforownerKhalifaBinSheailAlKuwari

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Salah Bin Ghanem Al-Ali, Minister of Sports and Youth, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club organised the Qatar International Derby meeting, one of the highlights of the racing season at Al Rayyan Racecourse.

Saqr’s win in the 2000m Qatari Group 1 Qatar Derby for three-year-old thoroughbreds crowned an exciting evening’s racing for owner Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trainer Gassim Ghazali, who recorded a treble on the card

Jockey Marco Casamento had Saqr perfectly positioned to make a move as the pace quickened when the ﬁeld turned for home Hitting the front with 300m to go, the pair drew clear to win from another of Al Kuwari’s runners, Devious Company, with Al Wasmiyah’s Thunderstone closing to be third by a neck

By Dutch Art, from the family of Epsom Derby winner Kris Kin, Saqr was sold to Chantilly Bloodstock as a yearling at the 2019 Arqana V2 Sale. He was twice Listed placed at two over 1400m in France when trained by Fabrice Chappet, but on arriving in Doha last winter took some time to acclimatise. This season he won his ﬁrst two starts, including the Thoroughbred Guineas in November.

FIRST PROVES HE IS BEST OF CLASSS

Owner Nayef Bin Saad Bin Sharida Al Kaabi’s American Grade 3-winning import First Classs gained his ﬁrst Qatari victory and more black-type when scoring in the Qatar International Derby (Gr2PA) run over 2000m. Trained by Alban de Mieulle, the son of Dahess had not been out of the frame since returning to action in November.

It was a race that produced plenty of excitement for the crowds as, with just 200m to go, there were still nine horses in with a chance. Dawi had hit the front as they closed towards the line, but First Classs and Ronan Thomas came with a sweeping run on his outside, whilst UK Arabian Derby winner Abbes was challenging up the rail. In a three-way photo ﬁnish First Classs was pronounced the winner by a nose from Umm Qarn’s Abbes, with HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Dawi a head behind in third

MOSHRIF PROVES HIS POTENTIAL

The Qatar Derby (Gr3PA) for three-year-old Arabians over a mile saw Al Kuwari’s exciting young colt Moshrif make a winning debut in Doha. Ridden by Jim Crowley, who had partnered his half-brother Muraaqib to victory in the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood, he settled the son of Dahess on the rail towards the rear.

A steady early pace meant the 17 runners were closely packed as they rounded the home bend Mlatem Athbah and Al Wakrah lead the ﬁeld in to the straight but, with 200m to go, Sahab burst through on the rail to gain the advantage, with Hargan and Moshrif in pursuit. With a clear run on the outside, the Francois Rohaut-trained Moshrif drew clear of Mohammed Bin Fahad Al Attiya’s ﬁlly Sahab, with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Hargan staying on to take third.

AJS SARHAN BACK TO FORM IN THE QATAR NATIONAL DERBY

The 2000m Qatar National Derby for four-year-old local Arabians saw a return to form for Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Sarhan Although a winner on his final start of last season, he had finished well behind on his two previous starts which came on Dirt and Turf Partnered by jockey David Allen for trainer Gassim Ghazali the pair led from the outset, fighting off the late challenges of Al Balagh and AJS Al Mared.

A BRIGHT MIRAGE IN THE QATAR LOCAL BRED ARABIAN DERBY

THAT GETS THE PHOTO RESULT IN QATAR LOCAL THOROUGHBRED DERBY

The result of the Qatar Derby for local three-year-old thoroughbreds had to be decided by a photo. In the end That was conﬁrmed the winner by a head from Swiss Gift, with Good Day a quarter of a length behind in third

Trained by Bader Al Balushi for Abdulatif Hussain Al-Emadi, That was ridden by Eduardo Pedroza in the 1850m contest having been placed in ﬁve of her six previous starts, including in the Local Thoroughbred Guineas the previous month.

Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Mirage secured the mile Qatar Derby for threeyear-old local bred Arabians for trainer Eric Lemartinel and jockey Faleh Bughanaim. Half a length behind was Blue Star, and both ﬁnished clear of Al Sij Al Sakab over ﬁve lengths away in third

FELLOWES TRAINED 1-2-3 IN THE AL RAYYAN STAKES

The Al Rayyan Stakes for thoroughbreds produced a remarkable 1-2-3 result for UK trainer Charlie Fellowes, with Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s Nuance leading home Mot And The Messer and Porsche Cavalier. All three horse have since joined local trainers.

Exciting Oaks win for Kadupul

The feature race on Oaks day was the Qatari Listed Qatar Oaks for three-year-old thoroughbreds run over 2000m. The race lived up to its billing and produced an exciting finish in which Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Kadupul prevailed by a nose from Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s Pom Malpic, the result decided by a photograph Kadupul who had raced at rear, was taken wide at the home turn by British jockey Tom Marquand to get a clear run down the centre of the course. He was still several lengths off the leader Jumay and it had looked like Pom Malpic would claim the spoils, but, as Pom Malpic took up the lead, Kadupul continued to respond to Marquand’s urgings and put up a fine fight all the way to the line, just getting ahead by a nose. Attasha stayed on for third.

A homebred winner for Al Wasmiyah Stud, the daughter of Dark Angel was foaled in France but started her career in the UK trained by William Haggas Winning on her juvenile debut over 1200m at York, at three she transferred to Ireland to the care of Joseph O’Brien for whom she placed twice at 1400m and a mile Arriving in Doha for a winter campaign she joined George Mikhalides who has kept her busy, sharpening her up with two runs in October. Kadupul hit winning form in handicap company at the new Al Uqda racecourse the following month after which she scored in the Thoroughbred Oaks trial at Al Rayyan in early December.

WELL-BRED QUEENSHALA SHOWS HER CLASS

The Qatar Oaks for four-year-old Arabian ﬁllies, also run over 2000m, saw the improving Queenshala score for the Umm Qarn and Alban de Mieulle combination.

Settled in mid-division for most of the race by Soufiane Saadi, Queenshala was gifted a passage through the pack when the leaders drifted off the rail rounding the home bend. Making the most of the opportunity, the filly quickened clear from her nearest rival HE Sheikha Reem Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Fedwah, to win by five lengths, with Umm Quarn’s Al Arabie in third.

Since arriving in Doha from France, where she was a maiden from three starts, this win brought Queenshala’s unbeaten run to three. By Al Mamun Monlau, Queenshala is a daughter of Umm Qarn’s local bred Al Ramtha, a sister to their champion racemare and inﬂuential broodmare Al Dahma.

THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLIES

QUEEN STORM AND AL GAMAMAH BATTLE IT OUT

Umm Qarn and De Mieulle were also successful in the Qatar Oaks for local three-year-old thoroughbred fillies over a mile, Queen Storm continuing her fine run of form to win by two and a half lengths Al Gamamah, runnerup to Queen Storm in the Guineas, raced more prominently than she previously, clearly intended to get first run on the Umm Qarn homebred and took up the lead at the 500m pole.

Queen Storm closed to challenge on Al Gamamah’s outside with 200m to go and the pair fought hard up the home straight As the line drew near, Queen Storm responded to Ronan Thomas’s encouragement and was able to assert her superiority to win. Shaha was nearly ﬁfteen lengths off the winner in third.

EXCITING QATAR DEBUT FOR THI QAR

The mile Qatar Oaks for threeyear-old Arabian fillies saw Thi Qar triumphed on her debut in Doha for owner Abdullah Bin Jassim Bin Abdulla Al Attiya Ridden by Maxime Guyon, the daughter of AF AlBahar went straight to the front of the 14-runner field and dominated the race throughout. Already the highest-rated in the field, Thi Qar needed little encouragement to quicken away at the 200m pole. With Guyon looking round for potential challengers, Thi Qar won eased down by nearly five lengths from Khalifa Bin Shaeil Al Kuwari’s Love Awam and Al Jeryan Stud’s Gharah, also by AF AlBahar. Initially trained by Xavier Thomas Demeaulte in France, for whom she won over 2100m and was subsequently third in a Group 3PA over this trip, she has since transferred to the care of Alban de Mieulle.

HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad

Al Thani crowns the champions on His Excellency’s Riﬂe Day

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The HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Riﬂe Day at Al Rayyan turf track was held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee

Following the conclusion of the ten-race card, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the winners of the last two races - the Group 3 PA HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for Purebred Arabians, won by the Al Shaqab Racing’s Mwarid, and the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Riﬂe for Thoroughbreds, won for a second consecutive year by Al Wasmiya Farm’s Noor Al Hawa.

Stepping up to 2200m for the first time in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy, Mwarid faced a stiffer challenge than when winning the Gr2PA Late Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy in December Soufiane Saadi took the initiative and gained first run on the field going into the straight, with Mwarid just holding on by a neck from Umm Qarn’s Abbes at the line, both horses trained by Alban De Mieulle, who had five winners on the day. Mwarid and Abbes finished over two lengths clear of HE Sheikha Reem Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Ebraz, who stayed on for third.

Trained by George Mikhalides, Noor Al Hawa had won the Qatari Group 3 Al Saﬂiya Cup the previous month and remains unbeaten this season Ridden by regular partner Alberto Sanna, Noor Al Hawa travelled smoothly throughout, coming from off the pace set by stablemate On The Line. As in 2021, the only horse to mount any kind of a challenge was Injaz Stud’s Hellenistique, however he could get no closer than two and three quarters of a length to ﬁnish second. Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s King Pacha kept on to be third beaten by just under two lengths.

ATTIYAH BROTHERS ENJOY SUCCESS

In the earlier Arabian races over 1750m, there was success for the brothers, Mohammed and Abdullah bin Fahad Al Attiyah, whose winners were both trained by Alban de Mieulle. Mohammed Bin Fahad Al Attiyah’s homebred filly Sahab responded well to pressure from jockey Maxime Guyon to win by a cosy half-length in the HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for four-year-olds. It was her first win since arriving in Doha from France, and she left the colts, Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik’s Nirond and Jassim Mohammed Al-Darwish’s Falaah, to fill in the places in a close finish.

In the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for fouryear-olds and upwards, Abdullah Bin Fahad Al Attiyah’s Hm Jalfane impressed with a three and a quarter length victory over Qatar International Derby (Gr2PA) winner First Classs in the colours of Nayef Bin Saad Bin Sharida Al Kaabi. Partnered by Souﬁane Saadi, who quickly encouraged Hm Jalfane to the front of the ﬁeld, the pair were in command throughout. A further length and a quarter back was last year’s HH The Amir Sword (Gr1PA) winner, the H.E. Sheikha Yasmeen Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al-Thani-owned Mon’nia, on her second start back after a break.

Al Wasmiyah Farm and Mikhalides bagged the ﬁrst leg of their double in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for three-year-old thoroughbreds. Scherzo, also partnered by Sanna, came home nearly two lengths ahead of Hasaan Ali Alabdulmalik’s Roman Number, with a further length back to Mohammed Abdulahadi Al-Hajri’s General Panic.

A BRIGHT EQUINOXE FOR UMM QARN

Having trained the winner of the opening race, Blue Star for Umm Qarn, De Mieulle scored again for Umm Qarn with Equinoxe in the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for local thoroughbreds. Runner-up was Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki’s Shaman Bu Thaila, who came home ahead of Abdulatif Husssain Al-Emadi’s Black Pearl.

AL BIDA RACING AND AL-DAFEA ENJOY RACE WINS

In the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy for older thoroughbreds, Al Bida Racing’s Jabalaly came home the clear four length winner HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Al Shaman and Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki’s Zyzzyva were separated by a head for the places.

Osama Al-Dafea’s Taxiwala was a two-length winner of the HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy – Thoroughbred Sprint There was another close battle for the places with Onaiza Racing’s Tilaawah gaining the edge over HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Millau by a nose

Mwarid impresses in the in Late Sheikh Jassim bin Sheikh Jassim y Mohammed Al Thani T phy Than hy

Thewell-bredsonofAmerlivinguptohis pedigreehopes

Al Shaqab Racing’s homebred Mwarid continues to shape with great promise and the son of Amer produced an eyecatching win in the Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani Trophy (Qatar National Day Trophy) (Gr2 PA) on December 16 over 2000m.

Trained by Alban de Mieulle, the then five-year-old horse was lining up against the eight-time Group 1 PA winner Ebraz, who had finished third in the race in 2020. Despite Soufaine Saadi’s efforts to restrain Mwarid in the early stages, the now six-year-old took the lead at the first bend and was never headed.

Crossing the line two and a half lengths ahead of Shabah and Ginkeau, he has now extended his winning streak to ﬁve.

A son of the champion sire Amer, Mwarid’s pedigree is of great importance to Al Shaqab Racing, being a brother to Al Haffanah, the ﬁrst homebred Group 1 PA winner for the organisation when successful in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches in 2018

Their dam, Al Nachmiya, was the first Arabian to carry the Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani’s colours to a toplevel win when taking the same Saint-Cloud contest back in 2011 Still to race from Al Nachmiya is the juvenile filly Alwasmiyah She is from the widely anticipated first crop of Al Shaqab Racing’s multiple Group 1 PA winner Al Mourtajez, who has his first runners in 2022

Four wins for Umm Qarn on HH Sheikh Abdullah

Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy day

Abidatakesthehighlight fortheleadingstable

The feature race, the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy for local bred Arabians held over a mile, was won by Abida, one of four winners at the meeting trained by Alban De Mieulle for Umm Qarn and His Highness. Ridden by Carlos Henrique, the six-year-old daughter of Dahess maintained her unbeaten record this season beating Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Mirage by a nose in a thrilling ﬁnish. Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Sarhan was a length away in third. Abida is a well-bred half-sister to the stable’s 2013 HH The Amir Sword winner Tabarak.

ONE-TWO FOR UMM QARN IN HH SHEIKH ABDULLAH

BIN

KHALIFA AL THANI CUP

The HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup (Gr2 PA) also over a mile produced another close ﬁnish and a one-two for De Mieulle and Umm Qarn, with Jabalah ridden by Ronan Thomas just getting the better of stablemate Queenshala. Claiming third spot was Hassan Alabdulmalik’s Tarek Du Soleil. Both the winner and second are by Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Mamun Monlau out of locally bred mares. This was the six-year-old Jabalah’s ﬁrst win since taking the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Silver Cup at the same meeting in 2020

FALAAH WINS A SILVER CUP THRILLER

Conﬁned to four-year-olds the mile HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Silver Cup for Arabians was another thriller for the crowd with Jassim Mohamed Al-Darwish’s Falaah gaining the advantage over Al Rabban Racing’s Drop Al Maury by a quarter of a length. Just holding on in third was Mohammed Khalifa Al-Sowaidi’s Posuelo PY. Falaah, trained by Mohamed Ghazali and ridden by Faleh Bughanaim, was having a ﬁrst start since arriving in Doha from France where he had been placed once from two starts.

AJS BERLINE TAKES THE SPRINTER CHAMPIONSHIP

Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Berline made a good impression under Szczepan Mazur when taking the 1100m Majd Al Arab P/A Sprinter Championship (Gr3 PA) by three lengths from Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Attiya’s Ateej. Last year’s winner Ateej had no answer for the ﬁve-year-old daughter of AF Albahar, who led from the off. The M.H.K Al Attiyahtrained mare showed a good turn of foot to win leaving Ateej to keep on for second, with Noora Racing’s Quepos a staying on third.

SEVENTH CAREER VICTORY FOR SEEYOUBYME

Seeyoubyme added a seventh win to his name when taking the 2000m Umm Qarn Trophy for thoroughbreds Trained by Debbie Mountain for Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik and ridden by Eduardo Pedroza, the six-year-old won by a neck from Abdulatif Hussain Al Emadi’s Pazeer and Umm Qarn’s King Shalaa The gelding’s biggest win to date had come in the Qatari Group 1 Qatar Gold Trophy last April, held at Al Rayyan over 2200m.

The mile French King Cup for local thoroughbreds went to Umm Qarn’s Equinoxe, trained by de Mieulle and ridden by Ronan Thomas. It was a close result with Mubarak Bin Saeed Aljafai Al Naimi’s Al Shomos only a head away in second, though the pair were well clear of Ahmed Hassan AL Malki Al Jehani’s Mater in third

In a generous addition to prize money, the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy Day also offered winning connections of each race a free breeding to some of Umm Qarn’s thoroughbred and Arabian stallions. Thoroughbreds on offer were Migwar, a three-time-winning and Group-placed son of Sea The Stars, and Atlantic Air. He was the winner of nine races, including two Group 3s in France The Arabian selection comprised the recently retired Tayf, winner of the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA), and General, one of only two dual winners of that prestigious race Also included was another Group 1PA winner in Yazeed, who will have his ﬁrst foals in 2022

Trueshan goes to the top of the staying division

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Trainer Alan King had sidestepped the Group 1 Royal Ascot Gold Cup with his promising gelding Trueshan due to the unsuitably fast ground, preferring to wait for the Qatar Goodwood Festival

And the gods were on King’s side – the ground was reported as soft ahead of the Group 1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup. It meant that the stage was set for the son of Planteur to make a break-through at the highest level in one of the meeting’s feature races, and the bay gelding did not let his supporters down Ridden by the record-breaking British jockey Hollie Doyle, he failed to settle behind the slow early pace, but that did not prove to be a hinderance to the classy ﬁve-year-old. Once in the home straight, Trueshan was switched to the stands’ side, Doyle allowed her mount’s stamina to kick in and the pair went clear to win by an untroubled 3l. ”Trueshan is a superstar on this ground,“ said Doyle after the race ”We weren’t going very quick early on and he was a little keen but I just let him slide up on to the girth of the leader and he took up the bridle on me. The further he went the better and he found another gear.“

A ﬁrst Group 1 winner for King, Trueshan went onto prove the victory no ﬂuke in the Group 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran at ParisLongchamp run on Arc day. In late October he then made it three in a row with a second consecutive success in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (G2). He should remain at the top of the staying division in 2022.

A truly Glorious meeting

The Qatar Goodwood Festival once again the mid-summer racing highlight in Europe

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Last year’s festival, the seventh consecutive renewal to be sponsored by Qatar, saw some true champions strut their stuff on the Sussex Downs.

The headline event on day one saw the stayers come to the fore in the Group 1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes

Some all-time greats have won this prize in the past, such as Double Trigger, Persian Punch, Yeats and, more recently, Stradivarius. Last year, the Alan King-trained Trueshan added his name to the illustrious roll of honour

Once his record-breaking jockey Hollie Doyle asked the winner for maximum effort the pair cleared away impressively inside the ﬁnal furlong, while Away He Goes ran a valiant race to be beaten three and three-quarter lengths into second. Sir Ron Priestley was a further length and a half away in third.

The Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes was a ﬁrst Group 1 triumph for Trueshan. Later in the season he got the better of Stradivarius to land the Qatar Prix du Cadran, and ﬁnished the year with a gutsy victory in the Group 2 Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup. Those efforts saw him crowned Cartier Champion Stayer for 2021.

TOP CLASS RENEWAL OF THE QATAR SUSSEX STAKES

The Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes was not only the highlight of day two’s action, but was arguably one of the best races of the thoroughbred season as the ninestrong field contained four Group/Grade 1 winners. The Breeders’ Cup Mile scorer Order Of Australia took the field along until halfway, but the finish concerned the three Group 1-winning three-year-olds in the line-up. Alcohol Free had already won the previous year’s Cheveley Park Stakes (G1), as well as the Coronation Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot on her penultimate outing, and she came with a withering run to see off Poetic Flare by a length and three quarters In doing so the daughter of No Nay Never, owned by Jeff Smith and trained by Andrew Balding, became the first filly to win the race since Soviet Song in 2004.

Poetic Flare was making his sixth start of a busy campaign and ran with real credit to be second having won the 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes earlier in the season Snow Lantern, who got the better of Alcohol Free when winning the Falmouth Stakes (G1) on her previous outing, stayed on to claim third.

THE QATAR NASSAU STAKES: A REAL CROWD PLEASER

Another strong ﬁeld assembled on day three for the Qatar Nassau Stakes with the likes of dual top-ﬂight scorer Audarya, the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Empress Josephine and the Prix de Diane heroine Joan Of Arc among the contenders. However, the hugely popular Lady Bowthorpe proved too strong and ultimately quickened away to win by a length and a half

The success provided jockey Kieran Shoemark and owner, the music agent Emma Banks, with their breakthrough Group 1 successes, while the victory was trainer William Jarvis’s ﬁrst at the highest level for 27 years after Grand Lodge’s St James’s Palace Stakes strike in 1994.

JUST WONDERFUL FOR TONIGHT IN THE QATAR LILLIE LANGTRY STAKES

On the concluding day, Wonderful Tonight proved far too good for her six rivals in the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes, as Chris Wright and David Menuisier’s ﬁlly ran out a 2l winner of the 1m6f Group 2 prize. The daughter of Le Havre was recording her sixth career victory having also won races such as the Group 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu and the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (G1).

SUESA TAKES THE KING GEORGE QATAR STAKES

Top-notch sprinter Battaash had won the last four runnings of the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes but, on what proved to be his ﬁnal outing, the defending champion proved no match for the ﬁlly Suesa, who represented French trainer Francois Rohaut and owner George Strawbridge.

The daughter of Night Of Thunder sprinted 3l clear of fellow three-year-old Dragon Symbol, who also ﬁlled the runner-up spots in the Commonwealth Cup (G1) and July Cup (G1), with the three-time Group/Grade 1 winner Glass Slippers back in third.

EXCITING AL SHAQAB RACING SUCCESS IN THE MOLECOMB

Another major race at the ﬁve-day meeting was the Markel Molecomb Stakes. The 5f Group 3 saw the Al Shaqab Racing colours carried to an impressive victory by Armor, who powered three and a quarter lengths clear of his toiling rivals

He went on to be beaten just three-quarters of a length by Perfect Power in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes and has now taken up a place at his owner Al Shaqab Racing’s Haras de Bouquetot in France for the 2022 breeding season. He will stand alongside Al Shaqab Racing-owned champions such Al Wukair, Olympic Glory, Toronado and Zelzal

With so many stunning performances underpinned by such memorable stories, don’t miss the 2022 Qatar Goodwood Festival

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H Hoggar De L’Ardus wins a thrrilling ﬁnish to the to Qatar Arabian World Cup r Q

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The 2021 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting was another great success for Qatari owners, with runners winning three out of the four Arabian Group 1 PA races, including Europe’s premier challenge, the Qatar Arabian World Cup.

The prestigious race attracted the last two winners Ebraz and Tayf, the world’s top mare Lady Princess, as well as a further ﬁve individual Group 1PA winners.

With the ground on the testing side, Tayf, who relishes those conditions, was favoured to beat Ebraz again. Lady Princess had beaten them both in the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood in August, and was a course and distance winner of the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments in 2020. However, there were three Group 1PA-winning four-year-olds looking to progress against their elders – the French Derby winner Hoggar De L’Ardus, the UK Derby winner Abbes, and Soko, winner of the Doha Cup. Maxr, stablemate of Ebraz, set the pace, with Soko close behind and the remainder of the fancied runners settled in the rear. At the 400m pole Lady Princess gamely tried to emulate her course victory a year earlier, with a sweeping run down the centre of the track. Ebraz had

gone up the rail, taking advantage of the fading leaders, whilst Tayf laid down his challenge hitting the front with 200m to go As Tayf and Lady Princess competed for the lead, they drifted towards the rail where Hoggar De L’Ardus was making his move between Tayf and Ebraz.

It was a thrilling battle in front of an excited crowd and Lady Princess and Hoggar De L’Ardus gained the edge to draw clear of old rivals Tayf and Ebraz. Hoggar De L’Ardus just had enough in hand to assert himself in the ﬁnal strides, winning by a neck under Mickael Barzalona.

This was the first win of the race for HE Sheikha Reem Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani in whose colours Hoggar De L’Ardus runs. Trainer Thomas Fourcy, who had eight runners in the race, was responsible for the first three home with Lady Princess and Tayf filling the places He has now won the race four times having won twice with Al Mourtajez, and also with Tayf in the previous year. Hoggar De L’Ardus is by Al Shaqab Racing’s most promising young sire, Mister Ginoux. From his first two crops to race he is already the sire of five PA Group winners from only 22 runners and ended 2021 as the leading sire in France.

IMAGE DU CROATE TAKES THE QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES POULICHES

Friday’s top level action took place at Saint-Cloud, starting with the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (G1PA)

The action went all the way to the line with HE Sheikha Reem Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Image Du Croate scoring for trainer Elisabeth Bernard and jockey Maxime Guyon, in a threeway photograph from Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Attiyah’s Sahab.

Monda, who has since been bought by Ali Bin Hamad AlAttiyah was third

TEEMA PREVAILED IN THE QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES JUMENTS

There had been a similarly close ﬁnish the day before in the Group 1PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments when the stablemates Teema and Elaf fought out the ﬁnish Teema, ridden by Ioritz Mendizabal, prevailed by a nose for trainer Xavier Thomas Demeaulte and owner Yas Horse Management. Abdullah bin Fahad Al-Attiyah’s Petite Leia was third.

FANTASTIC WIN FOR MOSHRIF IN THE QATAR TROPHY DES POULAINS

The excitement was to continue in the Group 1PA Qatar Trophy des Poulains and featured Moshrif, the top lot from Horse in Training segment of the previous day’s Arqana PA Sale.

Remaining in the capable hands of trainer Francois Rohaut, Moshrif was debuting for his new owner Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari, and partnered by jockey Christophe Soumillon The Group 2PA winner Hargan, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, set a strong pace from the outset and, though pursued by the Group 1PA Al Rayyan Cup winner, the HE Sheikha Reem Bint Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned Samlla, neither of them was a match for the exciting Moshrif. Soumillon timed the partnership’s run to perfection, winning by three-quarters of a length, but looking to have a bit in hand.

By world leading sire Dahess, Moshrif is a half-brother to Muraaqib, winner of seven Group 1PA races, including the 2018 Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood.

Brilliant victory for German racing in the Qatar Arc de Triomphe

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The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the world’s most iconic races and the 100th running, which boasted a huge prize-money purse of €5,000,0000 thanks to Qatar’s generous sponsorship, duly attracted 14 top-class runners from all corners of the globe.

The race has amassed a rich history since it was ﬁrst run in 1920, with winners etching their name into the very fabric of horseracing folklore. In years gone by, Europe’s premier all-age 1m4f contest has been won by the likes of the brilliant Corrida, who registered back-to-back wins in 1936 and 1937, the undefeated Ribot and the incomparable Dancing Brave.

More recent times have witnessed success for modern greats such as Zarkava, Sea The Stars, Treve, in the colours of HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani in 2013 and Al Shaqab Racing in 2014, and Enable The 2021 running was a typically classy and competitive affair as the best thoroughbreds of the year went in search of glory at ParisLongchamp

Many leading owners and trainers were represented as the field included the likes of Adayar and Mojo Star, who finished first and second in the Epsom Derby, as were fellow Classic scorers Snowfall, winner of the Anglo-Irish Oaks, and St Leger hero Hurricane Lane.

The Aga Khan’s three-time Group/ Grade 1 winner Tarnawa was also involved and Japan sent a strong contingent – the four-time Grade 1 scorer Chrono Genesis and Deep Bond, who had warmed up for the race by winning the Qatar Prix Foy (G2)

The French runners were headed by Sealiway, winner of the previous year’s Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1).

In the end, it was the unheralded German raider Torquator Tasso who prevailed under Rene Piechulek, with an irresistible late challenge denying the gallant Tarnawa by three-quarters of a length, with Hurricane Lane a further short head away in third. Although deemed a surprise outcome by many, Torquator Tasso brought solid credentials into the race having won the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden on his previous outing, as well as 2020’s Grosser Preis von Berlin (G1)

The Marcel Weiss-trained son of Adlerﬂug is being kept in training at ﬁve and will likely bid to retain his Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe title this autumn. On the evidence of his career-best performance in Paris, he will be a force to be reckoned with wherever he runs next

The ﬁrst of six Group 1s at the Qatar-sponsored race meeting was the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac, which went the way of the Andre Fabre-trained and Oisin Murphy-ridden Zellie. The daughter of Wootton Bassett, who carried the distinctive colours of Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah’s Al Wasmiyah Farm, denied Times Square and the Group 3-winning Oscula, a daughter of Al Shaqab Racing’s 2,000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold.

A BLEU DAY IN THE LAGARDERE

The other two-year-old Group 1 race, the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, was won by the Ralph Beckett-trained Angel Bleu, who arrived on the back of victory in the prestigious Group 2 Vintage Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival. The son of Dark Angel, who was ridden by Frankie Dettori, stayed on gamely to beat Noble Truth and Ancient Rome and enhanced the form on his next outing by winning a second Group 1 prize in the Criterium International.

Both Zellie and Angel Bleu now look like serious Classic contenders, be that in Britain, France or Ireland, so we will surely be hearing a lot more about these two rising stars.

A SECOND GROUP 1 FOR BREEDERS’ CUP WINNER SPACE BLUES

Another winner on the day who highlighted the importance of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting was Space Blues, who produced a strong late burst to land the Qatar Prix de la Foret.

The Prix de la Foret was Space Blue’s second success at the highest level, and he added a third to his record on his next start when he travelled to Del Mar in America where he landed the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the meeting at ParisLongchamp continues to be the centre piece of the European racing calendar, and that status looks assured for years to come. With the results from the meeting continuing to have such signiﬁcance around the world, all eyes will be on the 2022 edition this October.

AL WASMIYAH FARM’S ZELLIE TAKES THE TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLIES’ GROUP 1

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In 2021 Connolly’s RED MILLS fed over 100 Group and Grade 1 winners across the globe, we want to thank our customers for their support and loyalty

ALMAS QA CHESTNUT,1999,TOSTUD2011

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Mountain making he y to the top

QatartrainerDebbieMountainis the2019 H.H.TheAmirSw Festivalina positivemood Herhorseshavebeenrunning wellthisseasonandshehaschancesofabesteverscoreintermsofprize-moneyearnings–herstableiscurrentlyon143,265QR,theQatar Derby(G1)wininDecemberbyFullMoonthe highlightoftheseasonsofar.

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A knowledgeable and focused horsewoman, horses have long formed the backbone to Mountain’s life