Wednesday December 4, Doha ~ Julian Smart-trained Assy (Amer x Margouia), owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani and bred at Al Shahania Stud, pulled off a facile victory in the local bred Pure Arabian Derby Trial, run over 1,850 metres. The Burning Sand son, Kassam, trained by Jassim Ghazali, also sporting the colors of Al Shahania Stud, took the second place ahead of Maazouz. Jockey Richard Mullen rode Assy to victory.
Alban de Mieulle-saddled Kalino (Kaolino x Virlaxy) picked up speed inside the last 100 metres to get the better of the favorite La Hoor in the Pure Arabian Derby Trial for four-year olds. The fancied La Hoor attempted start to finish tactics, but was beaten close home by the perseverance of jockey Pier Convertino on Kalino. Al Atique ran to finish third in front of stable companion Harir.
Hassan Ali Hassan Al Matwi’s Al Nakhsh (Dormane x Kerina), a classy colt, trounced his rivals in the Pure Arabian Derby Trial, a seven-furlong trip for three-year-olds. The Dormane progeny has set his sights on the Derby and this race was more of a warm up for the event. Racing a handy third behind Hasheem and Jak El Elm, Al Nakhsh surged forward to take charge effortlessly and drew away from the pack. Al Safi ran on to take the runner-up berth while Abhar and Majd Al Uraiq finished third and fourth respectively. Jockey Marco Monteriso rode a confident race on the winner.
Rashid Al Jehani-trained Moaddie decimated its six opponents in the local Thoroughbred Derby Trial for three-year olds. Al Jeryan Stud’s Aseer tried to run away with the race by setting a fast pace while stable mate Mustabseel was a handy second. Moaadie was bidding the time to launch the attack and when he did, the Rashid-trainee sped away from the duo to win by five lengths.
The Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 60 to 90 witnessed a thrilling contest. Asfoor-saddled Al Yarmouk (Djelmidor x Kerra) with Marvin Siuerland up, Tameh with Mark Lawson up, and Al Majd with Ladjadj astride, went past the winning post locked together. With the photo finish unable to separate Al Yarmouk and Tameh (Mared Al Sahra x Gathaabah), a dead heat was declared for the first two places.
Tuesday 3 December ~ Trainer Ghazali, once again was in the limelight as he saddled four winners, which also included Safqah’s win in the Local Bred Pure Arabian Challenge Cup. Safqah (Hatteen x Al Naamah) ridden by Stephane Ladjadj stunned a credible field while keeping at bay the challenge of the formidable Raedah and Dahash, who took the second and third places respectively.
Al Shahania Stud’s Arrafa (Burning Sand x Hemie De Faust) showed great form as the talented filly clinched her third straight victory in the Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 40 to 70. The Ghazali saddled Burning Sand progeny won all her three starts and is quickly progressing up the ranks.
In the opening event of the day, Hassan Ali Hassan Al Matwi’s Muhalhal Al Uraiq (Hatteen x Tahleel Al Naif) with Marco Monteriso up shed his maiden status with a narrow win in the Pure Arabian Maiden Plate.
Photos by Juhaim
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