Al Forat wins Doha Cup

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani owned Al Forat, trained by Julian came with a sustained gallop in the last 150 metres to thwart the challenge of Thawi and win the Doha Cup, a Local Bred Pure Arabian Conditions race, which was the main event of the 34th day's races at the Racing and Equestrian Club on Wednesday, February 19. Jockey Harry Bentley rode a confident race on the winner to continue his good run in Qatar this season.

Al Jeryan Stud AJS Qahir and Nomaas fought out a grueling battle before the former preavailed by a neck to win the Local Bred Pure Arabian Graduation Plate. Jockey Salim rode a brilliant race on the winner, which is trained by Mohammed Al Yaqout.

Majid Safedeen trained  Clean Blow came with a devasatating run in the final furlong to overhaul Seven Of Clubs and win the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 60 to 80. Jockey Adnan Hawa was astride the winner.

Osama Omar al-Dhafa’s Al Zubara was given a good ride by Marvin Suerland to win the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, the first race of the day. Racing in about third till the last 400 metres, Al Zubara moved around to join the leaders Desert Orchid and Jeem as they approached the business end of the race. The three were engaged in a duel in the last furlong and Al Zubara prevailed over Jeem by half a length at the finish, while Desert Orchid stayed on to take the third place.

Hamad Mohammed al-Khayarin trained El Ameen won the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 0 to 60 in an impressive fashion. Racing a handy second until the bend, El Ameen with Italian Pier Convertino on board, came in first on the home stretch and stretched out well to extend the lead and win a she pleased. Maliha was a tame second ahead of Secretly.

Convertino completed a double for the day when he piloted Umm Qarn’s Waddah to a popular victory in in the Pure Arabian Advanced Plate. Qassed and Al Mostarsil took the second and third places respectively.

Jassim Al Ghazali saddled Ghalaa  was given a forceful ride by Gerald Avranche to win the Thoroughbred Handicap for horses rated 70 to 90. Though Captain Cleo threatened to run away with the race, Avranche was upto the task on hand as he goaded Ghalaa with a forceful ride and won by half a length.

Avranche was another professional to clinch a double. The Frenchman rode Hussain Aashoor saddled Qadeer to a fighting victory in the Pure Arabian Handicap for horses rated 0 to 50. Ugo Des Vialettes was second ahead of Ashkal.

Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club
Photos: Juhaim CP