Awesome Aziz wins HH The Emir’s Sword race at REC The biggest race in Qatar racing calendar, the QR two million worth Group I HH The Emir’s Sword was won by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani owned Aziz at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (REC). On March 1, Thursday, it was Al Shahania Stud all the way in the most prestigious contest of the season. Al Shahania swept the first four places making it a memorable outing for the Stud and also their trainer Julian Smart. The 35th race meeting today was part of the Qatar International Equestrian Festival (QIEF) and the festival was a huge success and concluded on Thursday. After Aziz, it was Asraa Min Albarq, Jaafer and Mu’Azzaz that occupied the second, third and fourth slots respectively. All these horses are trained by Smart and owned by Al Shahania Stud. An ecstatic Smart called it “unbelievable” to sweep the top four positions in this top class Pure Arabian Stakes race over 2,400 metres. “It is unbelievable to take the top four places in a race such as this. To win the Emir’s Sword for two years in a row is simply sensational. This has all been possible because of the team work,” Smart said. The trainer called Aziz a “super star” and said he will get better in the days ahead. “Aziz is a super star. There was a time when his racing career was in doubt because he had only one eye and look at the way he has established himself. For me, Aziz is still very young and he is only going to get better. We always knew that he had it in him when he finished second in the Qatar Arabian World Cup. He was unlucky then and even during this season. That was the true Aziz today. I am so happy for him,” he added. Al Shahania Stud’s General Manager, Abdulrahman Al Mansoor said Aziz would now travel to Dubai for Kahalya Classic. “To win the Emir’s Sword for the past two years has been great. Especially this year we took the first four places. I am more than happy and this is due to the brilliant team work we have at Al Shahania Stud. If we get the chance, Aziz will definitely go to Dubai for the Kahalya Classic and hopefully to Paris later this year,” Al Mansoor said. It was also a moment to cherish for jockey Darren Williams as he rode Aziz to the winning post. Williams has been in great form this season and on Wednesday, he had ridden Smart’s Harran to Qatar International Trophy victory. It was a double delight for Williams as he had earlier powered Al Mujahaz to HH The Emir’s Trophy success. “It has been an amazing season for me. It has been getting better and obviously this is the climax to win the Emir’s Sword. Three international races in two days, one cannot ask for more,” this is how Williams shared his happiness after the races. In the Group I HH The Emir’s Trophy for Local Bred Pure Arabians, it was a convincing victory for George Mikhalides schooled Al Mujahaz.
The QR 1 million prize money race was run over a distance of 2,400 metres and Al Mujahaz eased to a four-length win with Williams in the saddle. As the 11 runners left the starting gates, it was Al Mujahaz’s stable-mate Al Ejityah that led before giving up before the homestretch. The five-year-old Al Mujahaz was in third and slowly hit the front and kept the dominating run on and charged towards victory. Nasir Al Naif came back to be second while Dahash was third. Al Mujahaz looks as one of the best Local Bred Pure Arabians in Qatar and could prove his worth if entered into Kahalya Classic in Dubai. Williams, talking about this race, said: “He is a super horse and he is one of the best local breds I have ever ridden. He has been beaten three times this year and every single time, it was my fault. Hopefully now Al Mujahaz will go into the Kahalya Classic and win there.” Trainer Mikhalides explained: “Al Mujahaz had a bad race the last time where he finished second to Raihan in the Heir Apparent race. He had to come wide and cover a lot of ground. But today Al Mujahaz had a perfect race and won very well. Winning a race of this stature makes one feel he is in heaven.” “We have entered Al Mujahaz to race in the Kahalya Classic but will have to wait for the invitation to race there. Hopefully, we get a chance and we are looking ahead to the classic in Dubai,” the trainer added. In the other top race of the evening, HH The Emir’s Trophy for Thoroughbreds, Alban de Mieulle nurtured Lancelot returned to winning form in style by taking the QR 1.5 million race over 2,400 metres. It was an easy three-and-half-length win for Lancelot.
Olivier Peslier rode Lancelot to the winning post in a time of two minutes and 25.04 seconds. The way in which he won here shows how he can perform when being at best. Lancelot sped away quite easily in the final furlong to succeed over the other 14 runners. Trainer De Mieulle, speaking after witnessing Lancelot’s run, said: “Lancelot has come back very well and won this prestigious trophy once again. He has proved that he is the best here in Qatar. Oliver rode a perfect race and was up with the pace and when he asked for an effort, Lancelot was simply amazing.” “It was very important to win this race as we have already have won many Pure Arabian classics. We should now hope to win a Group I race at Longchamp. This is very much possible as the quality of Thoroughbred racing has improved vastly,” the Frenchman added. Jockey Peslier said: “The trainer gave me a free hand and asked me do whatever I felt was right. Lancelot was quite amazing in the race. He was up with the pace and when I asked him for an effort, his response was immediate and he won very well. I am very pleased to win this race for Umm Qarn as well as its trainer Mieulle.” In the Thoroughbred Stakes for Fillies and Mares, rider Gerard Avranche’s power-packed finish steered Ladyanne to victory. Jassim Al Ghazali trained Ladyanne won by a “Shorthead” margin in a time of one minute and 33.99 seconds. Earlier, the day began with the running of Local Bred Pure Arabian Maiden Plate, which was a Female Fegentri Riders’ contest over a distance of 1,200 metres. Jockey Jessica Marcialis rode Zahi to victory in a time of one minute and 19.25 seconds. Zahi is trained by Hameed Sahool and owned by Injaaz Stud. This Fegentri race was for QR 150,000 prize money. Al Saad was second followed by Asad Al Shajaa. The Pure Arabian Handicap race for horses rated 40 to 70 was clinched by Julian Smart trained Hareq. Alan Munro rode the Al Shahania Stud owned six-year-old horse. Hareq eased to a three-and-a-half-length victory over 1,400 metres. Al Jeali was second followed by Colbanric. The Qatar Apprentice Jockeys International Race (QAJIR) went in favour of Dajen, trained by Mikhalides. It was a Thoroughbred Handicap contest for horses rated 50 to 70. Razali Zawari rode the winner in a time of one minute and 53.32 seconds. It carried prize money of QR 150,000 and run over 1,850 metres. Noor’s Goldway was second while Zakon came third. Dajen’s victory margin was half-length. Mrs Tjarda Van Den Broek Humphreis wins REC’s Hat Contest Mrs Tjarda Van Den Broek Humphreis was the winner of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) organised Hat Contest for Ladies at their premises during the Qatar International Equestrian Festival (QIEF). It was a great platform for the Ladies to showcase their colourful and well-made hats. And in the end, the jury at REC picked three winners. Mrs Milady de Guiliani was second while Mrs Maria Quintana walked away with the third prize. There were 87 participants for this event. Mrs Tjarda Van Den Broek Humphreis wore the “Best Hat” and she was lucky to bag the Longines Dolce Vita, Steel Gold and Diamond watch, which was offered to the winner thanks to the sponsors Longines. Mr Juan Carlos Capelli, Vice President Head of International Marketing of Longines gave the prizes to the winners. Longines are the official timekeepers at the Qatar’s beautiful racetrack. The ladies had to display eye-catching hats and grab the attention of the judges at the REC. Those present at REC also had an opportunity to witness Sophie Papiernik, the French hatmaker’s collection. It was a great platform to see her fine range of hats. REC thanked the sponsors Longines for giving the prize for hat contest. The Longines is important in promoting this contest for ladies. The REC also thanked Sophie Papiernik for her contribution to the event and extending her support to the contest by providing hats. REC had organised a similar contest last year as well. Flying Destination and Harran triumph in Qatar International races Flying Destination clinched the Qatar International Cup, a Group II race for Thoroughbreds, during the 34th race meeting at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) on February 29, Wednesday. The Jassim Al Ghazali trained Flying Destination completed a strong finish with Adrie de Vries in the saddle. Flying Destination’s strong run towards the end was decisive in edging out General Duke’s. The race meeting on the New Rayyan track was a part of the Qatar International Equestrian Festival (QIEF). The Festival is being held under the patronage of HH The Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. As the horses emerged out of the starting gates, it was General Duke’s (Darren Williams astride) turn to hold the pole position. Vetvey was closely following the leader while Flying Destination was in fourth or fifth place. General Duke’s held on to the front slot while Al Muthanaa appeared into the contest. Meanwhile, De Vries brought Flying Destination with a fine run from the outside. Flying Destination gained enough momentum to finish on a high towards the end and edged leader General Duke’s by one length. It was two Cup triumphs in two days for trainer Al Ghazali and he was over the moon with this achievement. Al Ghazali’s Collect Art had won the Qatar 2022 Invitation Cup, a Group III race for Thoroughbreds on Tuesday. The trainer, speaking after the presentation ceremony, said: “I am very happy to win the second trophy in two days and it is more satisfying to have kept the Cup in Qatar. It was a tough race as they were a few top class contenders from Dubai. I had told jockey de Vries that he would win the race even though many felt that Hunting Tartan had a better chance.” Terming the race as “brilliant” Dutch jockey De Vries said he was confident of Flying Destination’s good run. In the Group I Qatar International Trophy for Pure Arabians, Harran hogged the limelight with a one-length victory. The Julian Smart trained Harran has been the second best horse of the year and had remained in the shadow of Tabarak but today it was a different story altogether for him. Qatar International Trophy is one of the top races in the country and the son of Burning Sand left the rest of the opponents to land the spoils.
Harran is owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Al Shahania Stud. For Smart, this was his first win in this prestigious race. The distance of 1,600 metres was best suited for Harran and he proved his worth in this trip. He had a useful run over a shorter distance earlier. There were 14 horses in the fray. Darren Williams-driven Harran improved as the race progressed and culminated in a success. Theeb was the pace setter while Morhaf was second leaving the rest behind when the contest began. Texas based breeder Todd Moak was happy with the victory and said: “I had a vision when we made the acquisition for Burning Sand to promote the horse worldwide. The idea was to proliferate this horse to the Arab world other than just the United States. I stand here tonight in Qatar realising the vision has become a reality. I could not have been more happier than what I am today. We had two of Burning Sand’s siblings winning here today. This is great news and I am thrilled with the way Harran and Mekhbatt won today.” After the disappointment of Gulf Cup, it was celebration time for trainer Smart. “We had such a good spell since France and we came back and won a lot of nice races here in Qatar. But, then everything seemed to have gone wrong. We had a bad day during HH The Heir Apparent and HH Sheikh Abdullah race days. I came into this race thinking that we would not be able to beat Tabarak, who is a very good horse. But everything fell in place for us. Theeb did a good job by setting the pace and holding on to finish fourth,” Smart said. For rider Williams, it was continuing the good work of this season. He has already succeeded in over 40 races and there are more to come. He said: “It has been an amazing season for me. Harran was simply brilliant today. I had a lovely race on him. He was relaxed right through the race and allowed me to settle him along the rails. When asked for an effort Harran was simply superb.” During the seven-race card, the Argentine Jockey Club Thoroughbred Handicap race went to Abdulla Mohammed Al Kuwari schooled Logos Astra. It was an outstanding run from Logos Astra in the final furlong to pip Lost Cause. There were several horses in contention for the top prize for the Pure Arabian Maiden Plate. It was a 1,600-metre contest and a Qatar Apprentice Jockeys International race. The race was won by Alban de Mieulle trained Nashmi, ridden by jockey Tik Hung So. Nashmi is bred at Umm Qarn. Ahmed Al Jehani’s Judgement won the Thoroughbred Handicap contest. This was a Fegentri race for female riders and Judgement edged Walfa in a close finish. Germany’s Berit Weber came out of a difficult position to edge the leading horse Walfa. Ibrahim Al Malki nurtured Tameh was ridden to victory by Mathew Lawson. The racing action continues on Thursday with the most prestigious races of the season lined up. HH The Emir’s Sword and Trophy races will be contested today, on March 1 at REC. Collect Art takes Qatar Invitation 2022 Cup, Fouladh wins Gulf Cup in emphatic fashion 28th February 2012, Source: http://www.qrec.gov.qa It was a day of double successes as trainers Ibrahim Al Malki, Mohammed Hussain and jockeys Gerard Avranche and Arnaud Bouleau won two races each during the 32nd race meeting at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) on February 28, Tuesday. Avranche won two Cup races in Qatar 2022 Invitation Cup with Collect Art and Gulf Cup partnering Fouladh. The race meeting on the New Rayyan track is part of the Qatar International Equestrian Festival (QIEF) and this is being held under the patronage of HH The Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. Qatar 2022 Invitation Cup, a Group III race for Thoroughbreds saw the Jassim Al Ghazali trainee Collect Art growing in confidence after a good last outing and culminating in a victory today. There was a late comeback from Happy Dubai but Collect Art emerged triumphant by half-length. By winning the final race of the evening, Avranche completed two wins in a row after having partnered Fouladh to a fine victory in Gulf Cup in the sixth race of the seven-event card. As the horses left the starting gates, it was Ridge Wood Dani which moved into the front position soon. However, Collect Art was in close proximity with the leader. Once the horses entered the final stretch, Avranche guided Collect Art to speed up and he did the same to be in control with the winning post just a furlong away.
Collect Art was clearly ahead from the rest of the group but UAE’s contender Happy Dubai came up with a late run but finished an impressive second. Footloose Man too made a late charge to take third spot. Trainer Al Ghazali was ecstatic with the performance of Collect Art and he said that he was expecting a winning run from his ward. “I was confident that Collect Art would win here and he has proved me right. He is a brilliant performer. I am very happy to win this Cup as it is not only for me but for Qatar as we prevented some top quality Dubai horses from winning here,” trainer Al Ghazali said. In the Gulf Cup, a Group II race for GCC bred Pure Arabians, it was Alban de Mieulle nurtured Fouladh all the way over 1,600 metres. Fouladh ran with blinkers on and Avranche was the rider. It was a smooth run from Fouladh as he won with comfort. However, Iftekhar tried to upset the winner in the final furlong but did not materialise.
The Frenchman De Mieulle declared that Fouladh was the best miler in Qatar now. He explained: “Fouladh had finished second in his last run to Laheeb Al Shahania and we felt that he needed blinkers. I was more confident today as I knew Fouladh would be better off with the change. It proved to be the right move and he won very well. I would say that he is best miler in Qatar at the moment.” Speaking after a good day at office, Avranche was happy to lay his hands on two Cups on a single day. Talking about Collect Art’s performance, he said: “I did not have a good draw in this race. Though I did not have a clear passage and also coming late on the scene, Collect Art was quite impressive in the final furlong where he stretched away from the rest to win.” Trainer Al Malki won two races with Al Hadla (Bouleau astride) and Kahail (Yousef Al Hajri up). Qatar Apprentice Jockeys International race was being contested for the first time and it went to Kahail. Qatari rider Saad Al Kaabi took Cometh on a start-to-finish journey but faltered. The jockey slipped from the saddle towards the finish. It was Al Hajri’s moment to cherish as he had his name etched on the winner’s list in the first Qatar Apprentice Jockey International competition. The day was also witness to Fegentri race where Irish rider Steven Crawford made a victorious beginning to his Fegentri career. Crawford piloted George Mikhalides trained Huaca Lay to a win in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. This was a Fegentri race open to Gentleman Riders. Crawford was an assistant trainer but later got an amateur licence last year. Speaking after his winning ride, he said: “It is pretty special to be part of the Fegentri and to get a winner on my first ride is just the icing on the cake. It takes the pressure off me for the rest of the year.” He praised Qatar and said his stay has been fantastic. “Qatar is a beautiful country and I am glad that I came here. My stay has been fantastic here. We have been well looked after and It is an opportunity of a lifetime to come and ride in this beautiful racecourse. The riders have been appreciative of each other and it has been a wonderful experience so far,” he said. Trainer Hussain had two winners in Iradah and Al Mazrooah. For Iradah it was thrilling victory after a battle with Qadir over 1,850 metres in the Al Rayyan Cup. David Bouland-ridden Iradah came up with an aggressive run even as Qadir was emerging like a victorious horse. In the final 50 metres of the contest, Iradah was quick to redeem himself and edged Qadir for a narrow ‘Shorthead’ verdict. French jockey Bouleau completed twin wins with Al Mazrooah and Al Hadla. It was two successes in a row for Bouleau. Hussain schooled Al Mazrooah was ridden by Bouleau to a fine victory in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap race. In the Pure Arabian Handicap contest, it required Bouleau to use all the available resources to steer Al Hadla home. The action continues at the REC on Wednesday and Thursday with some of best action set to unfold over the next two days. On Wednesday, there are two feature races in the seven-event card framed for the day. The Qatar International Trophy, a Group I race for Pure Arabians and the Qatar International Trophy, an international Group II race for Thoroughbreds. The final day’s racing of this prestigious Festival on Thursday, will witness the running of the much awaited HH The Emir’s Sword and Trophy races. That will be of the highest quality and exciting.
DOHA, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) announced on Monday in a joint press conference, Total E&P Qatar’s title sponsorship of His Highness the Emir’s Sword Race, which will take place on March 1 2012 at the Al Rayyan race track. The best Pure Arabians will be racing against each other for the top honours in the prestigious event which has a prize money of QR 2 million. REC’s Qatar International Equestrian Festival off to a spectacular start
The 21st edition of the Qatar International Equestrian Festival (QIEF) was off to a spectacular start here at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (REC) premises on February 23, Thursday. Photos by Juhaim
the presence of REC Chairman HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faleh Al Thani, Chairman of REDCO Construction-Al Mana, Mr Abdullah Bin Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana, REDCO Vice-Chairman Mr Faisal Bin Abdullah Al Mana, REC Vice-Chairman Mr Abdulaziz Bin Ahmed Al Malki, REC General Manager Mr Sami Jassim Al Boenain, and Members of Board of Directors of REC Mr Ghanim Ali Al Khashashi Al Mohannadi and Eng Mohammed Ali Yousef Al Sheeb. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani extended his greeting to the guest at the inauguration ceremony. “I extend my best wishes to the guests and delegations. This is a very special event held in the Gulf under the patronage of HH the Emir of the State of Qatar and featuring HH the Emir Trophies and Sword races. We take pride in organising such a Festival, which showcases the best of Pure Arabian and Thoroughbreds.” “We thank HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Special Advisor to the Emir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani for their continued support to the equestrian sport.” The REC Chairman also lauded the efforts of all those who have been involved with the Festival. “The staff at REC have worked tirelessly to make this Festival a huge success. Their efforts have made this the best Equestrian Festivals in the region. They have made it a success throughout the years being the only festival of its kind that continues for eight consecutive days of various equestrian disciplines like show and horse racing. Sheikh Mohammed made a special reference to the Late Yousef bin Ahmed al-Rumaihi. “We are grateful to the foresight of late Yousef bin Ahmed al-Rumaihi who was responsible in organising the first Festival 20 years ago. We are glad to continue hosting such an important event in the calendar of Qatar’s equestrian sport. I wish all the participants success in the eight-day event.” The QIEF has set new standards in terms of stake money being offered to the winners. A total prize money of QR 10.3 million is at stake during the eight-day event. This is a record for the REC, which has raised the stake money by a further QR 3.4 million for this year’s edition of the QIEF. On the first day, some of the finest Pure Arabians were on display at the 21st Qatar International Arabian Horse Show and the second Qatar International Straight Egyptian Championship at the Open Arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation which will go on till February 27. The Straight Egyptian Show and The Qatar International Arabian Horse Show are also part of QIEF. The final three days of the Festival, from February 28 to March 1, will have QR 8.7 million on offer to the winners. HH The Emir’s Sword for Pure Arabians tops the list with QR 2 million, closely followed by HH The Emir’s Trophy for Thoroughbreds with QR 1.5 million. HH The Emir’s Trophy for local bred Pure Arabians is another QR 1 million in prize money. The Gulf Cup, Qatar 2022 Invitation Cup and Qatar International Cup are also part of the Festival. A total of 22 cars are also on offer to the winners. Eight cars will be presented to winners of the Arabian Horse Show and the rest will be given away to the winning owners, trainers and jockeys. The QIEF has set new standards in terms of stake money being offered to the winners. A total prize money of QR 10.3 million is at stake during the eight-day event. This is a record for REC, which has raised the stake money by a further QR 3.4 million for this year’s edition of the QIEF. On the first day, some of the finest Pure Arabians were on display at the 21st Qatar International Arabian Horse Show. The winners of the 8 classes of Day 1 were as follows:
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