November 21, 2013, QREC ~ Alban de Mieulle trained Fouladh (Amer x Jaljalah) put up a wonderful performance in Al Wakra Cup; the feature race in a card of nine events held at the Racing and Equestrian Club on Thursday, November 21. The Umm Qarn bred champion devoured ground in the straight to floor his opponents. Jockey David Bouland rode a well-judged race on the winner, who kept at bay the challenge of Laheeb Al Shahania and Thawi.
Trainer Alban de Mieulle was happy with his winning colt’s performance. “Fouladh was not totally fit in his last run, but he seems to have regained his old form. I am very happy with this victory and he will definitely be a strong contender in the big races later on,” he said.
Injaaz Stud’s Livia (Dormane x Cary De Carrere) was another impressive performer who broke through the maiden ranks in the Pure Arabian Maiden Plate. The Mohammed Hussain schooled 4-year-old was a handy third as Shadeed Al Hana and Rodha Al Sakab set the pace for the mile trip. As the field turned for home, Livia stretched away to win in fine style from Ugo Des Vialettes and Ashkal.
Sporting the colors of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Aziz Al Shahania continued his winning ways while taking his second win of the season. The Julian Smart trained 5 yer old by Prince D’Orient out of Baldora De Brugere was ridden to victory by jockey JP. Guillambert in a field of 10 for the 1400 meters.
November 20, 2013, QREC ~
Julian Smart trained Harran (Burning Sand-Aziza D’Aroco) trounced his rivals in the Lemail Cup, a Pure Arabian Conditions race, run over six furlongs, which was the main event of the eight-event card at the Racing and Equestrian Club on Wednesday, November 20. Racing in mid-bunch for most part of the race, Harran surged forward to take charge effortlessly and drew away from the pack to win by 10 lengths. Jelmud held on to the second place from the fast finishing Al Adaid. The winner is trained by Julian Smart and was ridden by jockey Richard Mullen. Winning time: 1:18:89
“I am really happy with Harran as he has come back to his old form,” said trainer Smart. “Last year all our horses were underperforming as the training track was under repair. Now I have a track that I can work with and the results this season have been good. This is the Harran I took to Dubai for the Kahayla Classic in 2012. If all goes well, we will target a couple of races here for Harran and later I would love to take him to Dubai to have another go at the Kahayla Classic.”
Alban de Miuelle saddled Baaria was an impressive winner of the Dukhan Cup, a local Thoroughbred Conditions race, which was run over a distance of 1900 metres. Ridden by David Bouland, Baaria went to the front early and led all the way to the finish. Al Mazrooah followed the winner all the way to finish second. Qadir warmed up late to finish third, ahead of Al Mansoor.
Arrafa (Burning Sand-Heme De Faust) decimated the opposition while scoring an encore in the local bred Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 50 and below. The grey filly headed past her eight rivals within the first furlong to lead the field. Coming into the straight with a lead of over four lengths, Arrafa stretched out effortlessly, with jockey Yanis Aouabed holding her on a tight rein. Going by the way the Burning Sand progeny won the race, it would be interesting to see her progress.
Julian Smart trained Shaklan (Richard Mullen up) was quick at start to get to the front and lead the pack in the Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 60 to 90. Racing close to the fence all the way, Shaklan (Burning Sand x Tohfa) stepped up the pace on coming into the home stretch and drew away to extend the lead to four lengths. Guide Al Khal and Saint De Faust took the second and third place respectively.
Mohammed Khalid trained Sharhbeel Al Naif (Souk De Candelon -x Hestelle De Faust) was ably ridden by Qatari jockey Yousef Al Hajri to victory in the local bred Pure Arabian Maiden Plate. Moving quickly from draw two, Sharhbeel Al Naif raced a handy second behind Robbama who headed the field. On the top of the straight Sharhbeel Al Naif came up with a strong challenge with jockey Yousef Hajri pulling out the stick. Once alerted to the task on hand, the Khalid trainee stretched away to establish a useful lead. Al Qatari came up with a belated challenge, but could not pass the winner who held on to win by a short head.
Thank you – Photos by Juhaim.
~ends