DOHA: Umm Qarn’s Zahrah (Maidaan - Areej) saddled by Alban de Mieulle posted a thrilling victory in the Umm Al Afai Cup, a Local Thoroughbred Conditions race for Fillies and Mares, which featured the eight-event card at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) on Thursday.
Zahrah galloped on resolutely in the final stretch to come from the mid position and pass all the top contenders in full flight and won by a neck from Sraab and Amirat Al Qaloob. Jockey Gaetan Faucon rode a well-judged race on the winner.
Al Murqab Stud’s Peter Anders was brilliantly ridden by Adrian Nicholls to victory in the Thoroughbred Conditions race.
Zuhair Mohsen-trained Peter Anders was in a handy second position as the field straightened out for the home stretch. Once put into top gear, Peter Anders stretched away nicely and later warded off the challenge from Janoub Nibras to win by a three quarters of a length.
Zakhir Stud owned Namaah was ridden to victory by jockey Gerald Avranche in the Local Bred Pure Arabian Maiden Plate. Mohammed Salama trained Namaah held on gamely to win by half a length from Batel to take her maiden win in 14 starts. Bint Al Akaber and Zeer Al Wasmiya finished third and fourth respectively.
Umm Qarn’s Nadirah trained by Alban de Mieulle shed her maiden status with an impressive win in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. Jockey Gaetan Faucon settled Nadirah a handy fourth – fifth till the bend and started to move up steadily. With about 250 metres left from home, Nadirah took charge and kicked on well till the finish. Thurayya finished second ahead of Franchisco.
Umm Qarn’s Mujidd (Pier Convertino up) ran on strongly inside the last 100 metres to win the Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 50 to 80.
Heytham was second ahead of Muhim.
Zakhir Stud’s Free Spin was ridden to victory by jockey Alberto Sanna in the Thoroughbred Graduation Plate.
The Mohammed Salama-trained Free Spin held on gamely to win by a neck from Great White Eagle. Hymenaios and Charlie’s Wish finished third and fourth respectively.
Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari-owned The Blue Eye (Pier Convertino up) clinched a comfortable victory in Thoroughbred Conditions for three years olds.
The Jassim Al Ghazali schooled three-year-old colt settled in third-fourth positions till the final bend and moved freely to surge ahead and win by one and half a length from Itorio. Lieutenant Kaffee was third while Mind of Madness took the fourth place.
A thrilling finish was witnessed in the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 70 to 90.
Hussain Aashoor trained Carina Palace (Pier Convertino up) staved off the challenge of Peace Accord to win by half a length while Northen Water and Rock Up completed the frame.
THE PENINSULA
