London: Al Shaqab’s entry Mehmas produced a slick run and stormed to victory at the Qatar Richmond Stakes (Gr2) on the third day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival at Sussex countryside, yesterday.
The Mehmas’ triumph ensured Al Shaqab retained their Qatar Richmond Stakes title which they won last year.
Mehmas, ridden by seasoned Frankie Dettori, travelled on the outside and showed a lot of tenacity to resist Blue Point’s attack in the final furlongs. Blue Point, who was undefeated in two runs, finished close second in front of Intelligence Cross, whe came third.
“He really sticks his head out. He’s not overly big, but he has a big heart to compensate for that,” said a delighted Dettori after the win.
“He took it to the favourite and he showed what a tenacious horse he is. He’s straightforward. He doesn’t really bother. He likes a scrap and I took him to a scrap and he came up trumps. He doesn’t how to run a bad race. He wears his heart on his sleeve and I’m pleased for Sheikh Joaan, who is here today,” he added.
Experience seemed to have played an important role for Mehmas. The 2yo colt stayed on a success in the Arqana July Stakes (Gr2) three weeks ago. He won his fourth race in six runs this Thursday and provided trainer Richard Hannon with a first Goodwood winner this week.
Hannon explained: “I just love the horse. He’s very tough and he’s done nothing wrong all year, and ultimately he’s extremely talented. He’s a horse that we like, the Sheikh likes him.”
The 2015 edition of the Qatar Richmond Stakes was also won by Al Shaqab Racing, thanks to Shalaa, who was also ridden by Dettori.
Meanwhile, one of the highlights yesterday at the Qatar Goodwood Festival was the Qatar Goodwood Cup (Gr2).
After winning the 2015 edition of the race, Big Orange converted the try again this year in front of the Qatar Racing Limited-owned horse, Pallasator. The latter fought against Sheikhzayedroad for the second place, but finally took the advantage at the very end.
Big Orange led the race as he is used to. In the final furlongs, he was challenged on all sides, but managed to sustain his speed in order to resist the attacks and impose himself. Big Orange stayed on a success in the Princess of Wales’s Arqana Racing Club (Gr2) three weeks earlier, which he also took home in 2015. Jamie Spencer, Big Orange’s jockey, said: “He wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s a big strong galloper and he’s got stronger since last year and can sustain top speed for longer.”
In other event, The 4yo filly California imposed herself in the Markel Insurance Fillies’ Stakes (Gr3). The Denford Stud-owned filly travelled on the outside behind Pamona, who led the race at a fast pace. When the leader let go down the home straight, California accelerated on the outside, in the middle of the track and won easily in front of Tioga Pass and Twitch.
Respectively second and third, they both finished very fast, outpacing the leader, who takes the fourth place.
California had recently won a handicap at Ascot on the 8th July.
The Peninsula
