HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Gazwan Wins in QAWC
11 October 2017, USA ~ HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Gazwan (Amer), guided by jockey, Maxime Guyon, brought home the 2017 edition of the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1), hoping to follow the path of the great Al Mourtajez (Dahess), twice winner of this race, in 2015 and 2016.
Second in 2015, fourth in 2016, Gazwan’s third attempt was the charm. A tough horse, Gazwan cantered not far from the lead and fought to the finish with Yazeed (Munjiz) and Ebraz (Amer), taking a short head advantage on the line.
His trainer Julian Smart, said: “I have won this race three times, but each time with fillies, so I was a bit worried as I didn’t have a filly in the race this year. Gazwan is very very good. He needed the race last time out. He has improved. I put blinkers on him today. Ebraz and Yazeed, who are 4 year olds, are horses for the future. Gazwan is now 6 years old, but he still probably has another season in front of him. Perhaps he will be back here next year. He is a really tough horse, but I try not to run him too frequently. You have to be careful with horses of his quality. I am a bit disappointed with Ebraz, but these are tough races.”
Muneera Wins Qatar Total Arabian Trophy des Juments (4 year old fillies)
Damien de Watrigant came up with a full house in the Qatar Total Arabian Trophy des Juments (4-year-old fillies), a Group 1 for Purebred Arabians, run on 30 September at Chantilly during the Arc weekend. His runners, Muneera and Jamaheer, finished in the first two places. Muneera and Jamaheer ran last time out at La Teste, again finishing first and second, in the Prix Nevadour (Group 3 PA), where Jamaheer had finished in front of Muneera. Muneera, who runs in the colors of Al Nujaifii Racing, had her revenge today, on the softer ground that she prefers.
The last three editions of this race were won by trainer, Bernard – in 2016, Naziq for HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed, in 2015, Oman’s Sylvine Al Maury, and in 2014 Loraa for HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed.
Easter de Faust wins Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches
The Sheail Bin Khalifa Al Kuwari owned filly Easter de Faust (Mahabb) won on a simple acceleration the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1 PA), on Friday, 30 September at Saint-Cloud.
The filly was well esteemed by her trainer Elisabeth Bernard and showed good debuts in August before being defeated by recently in the Prix Nevada II (Gr3 PA). This time, she did not leave behind her chance of winning the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1 PA). Thanks to a great turn of foot in the middle of the track, she left Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Ghashamiya (General) in her wake. The latter took the second place in front of Najah (Munjiz). Joudh (Mahabb), a big favorite, finished well, but too late and took the fourth place.
Elisabeth Bernard, trainer of Easter de Faust said: “She is a very good mare who confirms all the good things we think of her. A lot of athletes can have issues in their career, and she had a few. This win makes us very happy. She is finally revealing herself.”
Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains GR1 PA (colts entier)
Winner for his two first runs, the Sheik Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned colt Rajeh (Jaafer Asf) won his first Group 1 PA by three lengths in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Gr1 PA) on Friday, 30 September at Saint-Cloud.
After waiting amongst his rivals, the Al Shahania colt came out of the field in the middle of the home straight and left no chances to Rodess du Loup and Goumoh, respectively second and third.
Rajeh’s trainer, François Rohaut said: “We know he is a good horse and he is even more impressive when maturing. He is getting better race after race. He does not have any issues, he is easy and nice to train. We are even happier to win it since his breeder and owner Sheik Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani is here. The colt stays unbeaten after this race since he had already won his two first races including a Gr3 PA.”