Lukas Delozier rides Nasser Al Shahania to Eraida Cup win. PIC: Juhaim/QREC
DOHA: Nasser Al Shahania produced a determined late surge to land the Eraida Cup and headline a compelling eight-race programme at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday night.
The meeting also witnessed a series of standout performances, most notably a four-timer from Faleh Bughenaim.
The feature, a Purebred Arabian Handicap over 2200m, saw Nasser Al Shahania deliver a polished display for Al Shahania Stud and trainer Rudy Nerbonne.
Ridden by Lukas Delozier, the six-year-old was settled towards the rear as the early pace changed hands several times, with Medan and later Lattam ensuring a true test.
Sweeping into contention approaching the home turn, Nasser Al Shahania quickened smartly to strike the front, soon joined by stablemate Caid Du Soleil.
The pair drew clear to settle matters between them, and in a sustained duel inside the final 200m, Nasser Al Shahania found enough to hold his challenger by half a length, with a clear gap back to third, underlining the authority of the performance.
Earlier on the card, Bughenaim dominated proceedings with a superb four-timer. His sequence began aboard Nahar, who returned to winning form with a controlled success in the second race, before Delirious Dream provided a quick follow-up with a well-timed late run to open his account for the campaign.
The treble arrived courtesy of Big Song, who produced a sharp turn of foot to secure his first victory in Qatar, and Bughenaim capped a remarkable evening when Mohimma surged from the rear to land a thrilling finish in Race 5.
The other races offered plenty of additional highlights. Al Wazeer made a winning debut in the opener, showing determination to overcome a wide draw, while Taftan edged a photo-finish in a tightly contested Purebred Arabian contest.
Jenkille Hipolyte later returned to winning ways, ensuring Arnaud de Lepine completed a notable double on the card.
