Battle Of Maldon and La Quyood shine on Derby Trials Day
Mdmar – Doha – Mohamed Saad
Photos by Juhaim
HE Mr Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, presented the trophies for the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 4yos, accompanied by QREC Chairman Mr Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah, following the penultimate race of Derby Trials Day at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Thursday, 12 November. Mr Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah subsequently presented the trophies for the Thoroughbred Derby Trial for 3yos following the final race. Earlier in the evening, Mr Hassan Youssef Al-Obaidly, Director of Programs at The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), presented the trophies to the winning connections of the Thoroughbred Oaks Trial following the sixth race on the card.The tenth meeting of the 2026/27 season featured nine races on turf, with the two feature contests providing a thrilling conclusion to an evening of competitive racing. La Quyood (Nieshan) prevailed in a breathtaking blanket finish to land the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial, completing a treble for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev. Battle Of Maldon (Saxon Warrior) then produced a spectacular last-to-first performance in the Thoroughbred Derby Trial, storming home from the rear to claim an emphatic victory for Sharq Stud, trainer Mohd Ahmed Al-Sulaiti and jockey Szczepan Mazur.
The evening opened with Al Wazeer (Marid) preserving his unbeaten record in the Local Purebred Arabian Derby Trial, followed by Alkaydah (AF AlBahar), who made an impressive Qatar debut in the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial. Kendah Al Shahania (Mister Ginoux) extended her winning sequence to four with a commanding seasonal return in the Local Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial before Dinar (Atlantic Air) overcame traffic to maintain his perfect record in the Local Thoroughbred Derby Trial. Inaya Grine (No Risk Al Maury) then sprang a surprise with a sensational late burst in the Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial while Tuyoof (Pinatubo) produced another dazzling finish to secure her second consecutive victory in the Thoroughbred Oaks Trial. Asfaan Al Shahania (Assy) added further drama in the National Derby Trial, catching Maadi Alseej on the line by a short head to complete a double for trainer Rudy Nerbonne and jockey Lukas Delozier, setting the stage for the two feature races that brought the meeting to a memorable close.
Battle Of Maldon thunders from last to first in spectacular finish
Battle Of Maldon (Saxon Warrior x Novelty) produced a devastating late charge to land Race 9, the 2000m Thoroughbred Derby Trial for 3yos, a Class 2 contest featuring twelve runners. The bay gelding, who had finished runner-up on his Qatar debut last month, went one better with a commanding 1¼-length victory, doubling his career tally. Owned by Sharq Stud, trained by Mohd Ahmed Al-Sulaiti and ridden by Szczepan Mazur, he delivered a spectacular performance from the rear of the field.
Restrained after breaking from stall four, Battle Of Maldon settled at the back as Victorious One (Siyouni) established the early lead, followed by Hard To Believe (Make Believe) and Battle Drum (War Front). Battle Drum subsequently moved to the front through the middle stages, while August George (Night Of Thunder) improved into third ahead of Hard To Believe. The order remained largely unchanged, with Battle Of Maldon still last approaching the home turn, although within striking distance of the leaders. As the field straightened for home, August George and Big Song (Earthlight) emerged as the principal contenders, engaging in a fierce battle for supremacy. But while attention focused on their duel, Battle Of Maldon was gathering irresistible momentum down the outside. Having begun his sustained advance around the home turn, the gelding unleashed an explosive turn of foot in the closing stages, sweeping past his rivals one after another. His relentless charge carried him into the lead before he forged clear to seal an emphatic victory.
Big Song secured second under Patrick Cosgrave for owner Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki and trainer Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. Hard To Believe finished third, a further ½ length behind, with Bauyrzhan Murzabayev aboard for Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.
La Quyood edges thrilling blanket finish to complete treble
La Quyood (Nieshan x La Musawama) emerged victorious from a breathtaking blanket finish in Race 8, the 2000m Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 4yos, a Class 2 contest featuring seven runners. The bay gelding, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, dug deep to prevail by ¼ length, recording his second consecutive victory this season and completing a memorable treble for the trainer-jockey partnership of Hamad Al-Jehani and Bauyrzhan Murzabayev.
Taftan (AF Al Buraq) seized the initiative shortly after the start and established himself at the head of the field, closely pursued by Wahran (Azadi) and La Quyood. The trio maintained their prominent positions through the early and middle stages, with Taftan continuing to dictate proceedings as his pursuers waited for their opportunity. The complexion of the race began to change in the home straight when Khaddah (Azadi), one of the leading fancies who had raced towards the rear, launched a powerful challenge. Making rapid headway, he briefly moved into second and threatened to upset the established order. Taftan, however, refused to surrender his advantage easily while Wahran and La Quyood responded strongly to remain firmly in contention. With little more than 200m remaining, the long-time leader was still battling to fend off his challengers. The final 100m produced a spectacular scramble for supremacy. Taftan, Wahran and La Quyood were joined by other fast finishers in a fiercely contested dash to the line, with the outcome impossible to predict until the closing strides. It was La Quyood who found the decisive extra effort, edging ahead in the dying moments to snatch a thrilling victory.
Wahran finished second under Alberto Sanna for Sharq Stud and trainer Mohd Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, while Taftan held third, just a neck further behind, with Pierre Charles Boudot aboard for owner Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Jehani and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.
Asfaan Al Shahania snatches National Derby Trial in thrilling finish
Asfaan Al Shahania (Assy x Kampanule De Ghazal) produced a sensational late charge to snatch victory on the line in Race 7, the 1750m National Derby Trial for 4yo Local Purebred Arabians, a Class 2 contest featuring eleven runners. The grey colt, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, marked his seasonal return with a thrilling short-head success, recording his second consecutive victory from four career starts. The result completed a double for both trainer Rudy Nerbonne and jockey Lukas Delozier.
Shawaq Alseej (Yazeed) took the lead from the outset and dictated proceedings for much of the race, closely tracked by Maadi Alseej (Yazeed), with Zameer (Nizam) next in line. Asfaan Al Shahania, meanwhile, was initially held up towards the rear before settling in midfield. The running order remained largely unchanged until the final 300m, when Maadi Alseej responded gamely to Pierre Charles Boudot’s urging, sweeping past Shawaq Alseej to take command. Having raced prominently throughout, he looked poised to reward his sustained effort with victory. But Asfaan Al Shahania had other ideas. Gathering relentless momentum through the home straight, he surged into third before closing rapidly on the leader. Inside the final 100m, Delozier’s mount unleashed a ferocious finishing burst, bearing down on the gallant Maadi Alseej with every stride before catching him on the line by the narrowest of margins.
Maadi Alseej finished a creditable second for owner Khalid Hamad Al-Atteya and trainer Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya. Zameer secured third, a further 3¼ lengths behind, under Soufiane Saadi for Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Mr Saad Ali Al Kubaisi, Deputy Director of QREC Registration & Studbook Dept., presented the National Derby Trial trophies to the winning connections.
Tuyoof produces dazzling late flourish to land Oaks Trial
Tuyoof (Pinatubo x Al Taayshah) continued her winning momentum with a spectacular late surge in Race 6, the 1750m Thoroughbred Oaks Trial for 3yo fillies, a Class 2 contest featuring twelve runners. The bay filly, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, scored by 3½ lengths to record her second consecutive victory. Her success completed a double for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and a quick-fire double for jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev.
Awaafi (Far Above) and Moghitha (Ghaiyyath) set a furious early pace, exchanging the lead ahead of Sahara Beauty (Dubawi), Chaconne (Sea The Stars) and Renelle (Kingman). Tuyoof travelled comfortably behind the leading group, keeping her rivals within striking distance. Approaching the home turn, Awaafi and Moghitha pressed further ahead, opening a gap of around 3 lengths. The pair maintained their advantage entering the straight, but Moghitha soon began to weaken as Renelle closed rapidly on Awaafi. With the leading pair seemingly set to fight out the finish, Tuyoof suddenly emerged as a serious threat. Threading her way through the field inside the final 150m, she unleashed an extraordinary burst of acceleration, sweeping past the front-runners before powering clear by an impressive 3½ lengths.
Rose Of Spain (Phoenix Of Spain), who had raced towards the rear, finished strongly to take second under Jefferson Smith for owner Osama Omer Al-Dafea and trainer Hadi Al Ramzani. Lucia Molly (Profitable) secured third, a further 1¼ lengths behind, with Patrick Cosgrave riding for Al Thumama Racing and trainer Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki.
Inaya Grine springs surprise with sensational late burst
Inaya Grine (MA) (No Risk Al Maury x SS Wesayef) produced a sensational late charge to spring a surprise in Race 5, the 1750m Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial for 4yo fillies, a Class 2 contest featuring five runners. The chestnut filly, owned by Salmeen bin Abdulla Al-Jabri, snatched victory by 1 length to double her career tally. Trained by Ahmed Al Jehani and ridden by Bauyrzhan Murzabayev, she transformed a seemingly settled contest into a dramatic finish.
Assfa Al Shahania (Assy) established herself in front and dictated proceedings for much of the journey, with Inaya Grine and Geina (Mister Ginoux) initially leading the pursuit. Through the middle stages, Inaya Grine was eased back, appearing to lose her position among the principal contenders. Dabida (Divamer), meanwhile, was progressing strongly from behind. She swept into the lead in the home straight and quickly established a commanding advantage. Assfa Al Shahania and Geina exchanged positions in pursuit, but neither could seriously threaten the new leader. With 200m remaining, Dabida appeared firmly on course for victory. The final 100m, however, brought an extraordinary reversal as Inaya Grine came charging from behind with a thunderous turn of foot. Sweeping past her rivals, she overhauled Dabida in the closing strides to claim a remarkable success.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Dabida finished second under Soufiane Saadi for Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle, while Geina took third for Dukhan Racing, trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Pierre Charles Boudot.
Mr Saad Ali Al Kubaisi, Deputy Director of QREC Registration & Studbook Dept., presented the trophies to the winning connections.
Dinar overcomes traffic to preserve unbeaten record
Dinar (Atlantic Air x Jadeeda) maintained his unbeaten record with a determined victory in Race 4, the 1750m Local Thoroughbred Derby Trial for 3yos, a Class 2 contest featuring eight runners. The grey gelding, who had won the Local Thoroughbred Guineas on debut, made it two victories from as many starts. Representing Wathnan Racing, he scored by 1¾ lengths, completing a double for both trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey Soufiane Saadi.
Halitan (Al Wukair) dictated the pace for much of the journey, with Tikrit (Footstepsinthesand) and Mulhim (Al Malhouf) leading the pursuit. Dinar settled comfortably in midfield as the running order remained largely unchanged through the early and middle stages.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Approaching the home turn, Tikrit pressed forward to briefly take the lead, but Halitan responded immediately to regain his advantage. Dinar was also making progress, although his challenge was temporarily frustrated by a lack of room. Saadi reacted decisively, switching his mount to the outside to secure a clear passage. Once in the open, Dinar accelerated powerfully, rapidly closing on the leaders before sweeping into the lead inside the final 100m. He continued strongly to the line, preserving his perfect record with another impressive success. Halitan held second under Alberto Sanna for Umm Al Shukhut Farm and trainer Mohamed Khaled Elahmed. Awayed Alseej (Time Test) finished third, a further 2¾ lengths behind, with Patrick Cosgrave aboard for Alseej Stud and trainer Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya.
Mr Abdulla bin Rashid Al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winning connections.
Kendah Al Shahania powers clear to extend winning streak
Kendah Al Shahania (Mister Ginoux x R B Kindle) made a triumphant seasonal reappearance in Race 3, the 1750m Local Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial for 4yo fillies, a Class 2 contest featuring seven runners. The bay filly, owned by HE Sheikha Iman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, scored by 3¾ lengths under Lukas Delozier for trainer Rudy Nerbonne. She extended her winning sequence to four consecutive victories from five career starts, having finished runner-up on debut.
Cherifa Al Naif (Al Mourtajez) established the early lead, followed by Anika (Al Mamun Monlau) and Malekat Al Shahania (Gazwan). Kendah Al Shahania was held up in midfield before settling further back, while Lubara (Al Mouwaffak) improved into third through the middle stages. Anika made the first decisive move in the home straight, sweeping into the lead and quickly establishing what appeared to be a winning advantage. Kendah Al Shahania, however, was gathering momentum from behind, making rapid headway to close the gap. Inside the final 300m, she drew alongside Anika, and the pair became locked in a fierce duel. Kendah Al Shahania found another gear inside the final 200m, surging ahead before accelerating clear to complete an emphatic victory.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Anika secured second for Wathnan Racing, trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey Soufiane Saadi. Ghada (No Risk Al Maury), who had raced towards the rear, finished strongly to take third under Pierre Charles Boudot for owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.
Mr Abdulla bin Rashid Al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winning connections.
Alkaydah makes impressive Qatar debut in Derby Trial
Alkaydah (AF AlBahar x Niriam) announced her arrival on the Qatar racing scene with an impressive victory in Race 2, the 1600m Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 3yos, a Class 2 contest featuring eleven runners. The bay filly, a Group 1 performer, scored by 2¼ lengths to double her career tally to two victories from four starts. Representing Al Wasmiyah Farm, she delivered a commanding performance under Pierre Charles Boudot for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.
Breaking well from stall three, Alkaydah briefly took the lead before Boudot restrained her into second behind Al Wasmi (Muraaqib). M N Al Hajba (Dhay) and Mayyadah Al Shahania (Assy) settled into the next positions, with the leading quartet maintaining a largely unchanged order. Al Wasmi continued to dictate proceedings through the middle stages, while Alkaydah travelled comfortably behind him, waiting for an opportunity to challenge. That moment arrived inside the final 300m. Asked to quicken, Alkaydah responded instantly, producing an impressive turn of foot to sweep past the long-time leader. Once in front, she accelerated clear with remarkable ease, rapidly establishing a comfortable advantage to seal a convincing victory.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Gossip Al Cem (AF AlBahar) and Notable De L’Aigle (Dahess), both of whom had raced further back, finished strongly to claim the minor honours. Gossip Al Cem took second under Bauyrzhan Murzabayev for owner Salman Khalid Alotaibi, completing a one-two finish for Al-Jehani. Notable De L’Aigle secured third, a further 1¼ lengths behind, for Wathnan Racing, trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey Faleh Bughenaim.
Mr Abdulla bin Rashid Al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winning connections.
Al Wazeer fights back to extend unbeaten run
Al Wazeer (Marid x Faiha) maintained his perfect career record with a thrilling victory in the opening race, the 1600m Local Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 3yos, a Class 2 contest featuring ten runners. The grey colt, representing Wathnan Racing, marked his seasonal reappearance with his third consecutive victory from as many starts. Trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Soufiane Saadi, he showed tremendous determination to regain the lead after being headed in the straight, eventually scoring by 1 length.
Breaking sharply from stall seven, Al Wazeer quickly took command, with Mubhirah (Al Mamun Monlau), Tawjeehat (Dahess) and A.Z Hadi (Rassan) forming the initial chasing group. Approaching the home turn, AJS Shaheen (AF AlBahar) and Amrood Al Shahania (Assy) improved from behind to challenge the long-time leader. Amrood Al Shahania then quickened sharply to take the lead early in the straight, raising the prospect of an absorbing duel. Tiswahum (Dahess), who had tracked the leading group, also launched a powerful challenge. With 200m remaining, Amrood Al Shahania appeared to hold the upper hand, but Al Wazeer was far from beaten. Inside the final 100m, Saadi’s mount responded with a devastating turn of foot, surging back into the lead and powering clear to preserve his unbeaten record.
Tiswahum finished strongly to secure second under Pierre Charles Boudot for Injaaz Stud and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. Amrood Al Shahania took third, just ¼ length further behind, with Lukas Delozier aboard for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani and trainer Rudy Nerbonne.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
