The connections of August George celebrate with their trophies. PICS: Juhaim/QREC
Doha, Qatar: August George showcased grit and a sharp finishing kick to capture the Al Uqda 2YO Cup, the finale of an eight-race card at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday.
August George, in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed Salman Al Thani, secured his second win in four career starts, having finished runner-up in the other two, with a late surge that saw him clinch victory by a head in the over 1300m race for the thoroughbreds.
The bay gelding, breaking smartly from barrier five, settled in a handy fourth and tracked the tempo set by Zabeel Flower, who dictated the pace throughout and remained in control until the home turn. Behind the leader, Dapper Charm, Silca Blue and Zoiros raced in close attendance though Silca Blue briefly lost his position before recovering.
Approaching the turn, Zoiros moved up to take a narrow lead, prompting August George to begin closing steadily behind him. Once in the home straight, Sanna asked his mount to quicken and the response was immediate. August George surged forward to strike the front, but Silca Blue, racing in the colours of Sheikh Abdul Rahman Rashid Al Thani for the same trainer and ridden by last year’s winning jockey Marco Casamento, launched a powerful challenge on his outside.
August George earned an impressive victory.
The pair drew right away from the rest, locked in an intense duel through the final 200m. They hit the line together in a pulsating finish, and for the second time in the evening, the outcome required the verdict of the photo finish. Dapper Charm, representing Saif Jassem A. Alsulaiti, trained by Hamad Al Jehani with Pierre Charles Boudot aboard, stayed on to finish third, four lengths behind the battling pair.
Ruling Master secured back-to-back victories in the Thoroughbred Handicap (45–65) for 3YO+ over 2200m, finishing strongly, while Flashy Dark Angel broke her maiden in the Thoroughbred Handicap (0–60) for 3YO+ over 1200m with a commanding front-running performance.
Mubkhar Al Shahania edged out rivals in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (55–75) for 3YO+ over 2200m for his second career win, and Blewburton claimed his first victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap (0–85) for 3YO over 2100m after 16 attempts.
Stylish Performer prevailed in the Thoroughbred Handicap (75–95) for 3YO+ over 1400m in a dramatic photo finish by a nose, while Smartman impressed on debut, powering home from last to win the Al Uqda 2YO Thoroughbreds over 1300m.
