Bluestocking flies with Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to Saudi Arabia
HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa crowns HE Sheikh Joaan with World Cup
Al Ghadeer keeps Qatar Arabian World Cup for Al Shaqab Racing
Legendary Al Ghadeer takes centre stage in Paris
Huge audience turnout, wonderful heritage events and perfect investment of Qatari sponsorship
Mdmar – Paris – JDG
Photo Juhaim
HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani presented the trophy of the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup to HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani. The legendary champion Al Ghadeer (Al Mourtajez) landed the World Cup for the 2nd straight year for Al Shaqab Racing, trainer Francois Rohaut and jockey Christophe Soumillon. With this victory under his belt, Al Ghadeer confirmed his bid to keep the Triple Crown in its final leg in Doha. HE Issa bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, QREC Chairman, was present during the trophy presentation ceremony.
HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani also presented the trophy of the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Abdullah. The Juddmonte Farms Ltd-bred and owned Bluestocking (Camelot) won the iconic race in impressive style for trainer Ralph Beckett under a perfect ride from Rossa Ryan. The champion filly continues her victories with a 2nd straight Gr1 victory. HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to France, and HRH Prince Albert II of Monaco were present during the trophy presentation ceremony.
Befitting finale in the city of light
In a befitting finale, the curtain fell on the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, yesterday, Sunday, 6th October, with the races of the final day of the 2024 renewal held at ParisLongchamp racecourse with a large international participation that reflects the exceptional standard of the event, making it one of the most important and best, if not the best, horse racing in the world today. The day had nine races in the card with superb racing action on display in presence of dignitaries and the world’s most famous horse owners, trainers and jockeys.
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While seven of the day’s races were group 1s, the main focus was on the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup and the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, given their prestigious standing as well as the staggering prize money they offer. The former has a purse of one million Euros while the latter has five million euros, which is the highest in the French racing programme.
In addition to the races, the final day of the iconic weekend saw heritage and cultural shows organised through the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture with QREC to introduce the dozens of thousands of the European spectators at ParisLongchamp to Qatari customs, most famous crafts and handicrafts, as well as the Qatari heritage in general. The Ministry of Culture’s pavilion was met with great interest from the spectators and racegoers.
In addition, there were other seven races in the card. HE Issa bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi QREC Chairman, Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah President of the Asian Equestrian Federation and QREC Vice Chairman, Bader bin Mohammed Al-Darwish QREC Actin CEO and Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari Director of Ooredoo Public Relations, Sponsorships and Marketing Communications crowned the winners.
Invincible Al Ghadeer wins again Qatar Arabian World Cup
Hands & heels winner of the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood on last run, the superstar Al Ghadeer (Al Mourtajez) took the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian World Cup for the second time.
Trained by Francois Rohaut and carrying the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, the five-year-old came into the race on the back of nine successive victories.
Al Ghadeer was ridden patiently by Christophe Soumillon and travelled with ease of the 2000m contest. Entering the final straight, the five-year-old waited the open stretch to challenge Al Doha (Al Mourtajez) and Nour Al Maury (Azadi). Soon in front, the high class colt went further clear to win under hands & heels by two and half lengths. Rb Kingmaker (Baseq Al Khalediah) ran on in second while Ch’Ezza (Af Albahar) took third.
Winning trainer said after the race: “He had a good race and he didn’t pull today, It’s the horse of a lifetime and I will never see one like that again.Maybe there will be some more after, who knows. I’ve been waiting 40 years to have a horse like that and I’ve seen some really good ones”.
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Bred by Mohammad Al-Najafi, he is out of double Gr.2 (PA) winner mare Gharraa (Matador 12).
Fantastic Bluestocking beats the world in Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triopmhe
Winner of the “Arc trial” Gr.1 Qatar Prix Vermeille, Bluestocking (Camelot) made history with an incredible victory in the world’s most famous race, the Gr.1 QREC sponsored Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which took place at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, October 6th.
Owned & bred by Juddmonte the four-year-old gave a first Arc winner to trainer Ralph Beckett and young jockey Rossa Ryan.
Right behind the leader Los Angeles (Camelot), Bluestocking travelled well in company of Haya Zark (Zarak). Left alone in second after the injured Haya Zark was pulled up, the talented filly strode on to victory to win by one and a quarter lengths. The remarkable Aventure (Sea The Stars) ran on strongly to grab second while the long time leader Los Angeles took third.
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A very happy Ralph Beckett said after the race: “It’s team work obviously, you can’t do it on your own. One man can train 200 horses but two men can’t train one horse. You need the help and we’ve got great help. The tribute goes to her, she’s extraordinarily.”
Bred by Juddmonte Farms (east) Ltd, she is out of a Gr.1 winner Emulous (Dansili, who is a full sister to Gr.3 winner First Sitting (Dansili).
Surprise winner as Vertical Blue wins Qatar Marcel Boussac
An improving filly, Vertical Blue (Mehmas) claimed her first Gr.1 victory when landing the QREC sponsored Gr.1 Prix Marcel Boussac – Criterium des Pouliches.
Owned by Gemini Stud & Argella Racing and trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the two-year-old filly had a place chance from the trainer’s words but improved dramatically to win and beat the hot favourite & stable mate Zarigana (Siyouni).
In a race led by Exactly (Frankel), Vertical Blue was about midfield on the inside of the strongly fancied Zarigana. Entering the home straight, the leader kicked clear and left her rivals with a lot to do. With Zarigana chasing the clear leader, Vertical blue always looked held by Zarigana but managed to put her nose on the line to beat Zarigana by a nose. Exactly was third.
Winning owner said after the race:“I saw the photo in the elevator and she has a long neck this filly and she won with that long neck. It’s exceptional, it’s a dream, I’m in tears. It’s exceptional for my dad, our association, for the trainer, for Paul who buys us horses.”
Bred by Haras Du Mont Dit Mont, she is out of Krunch (Sea The Stars, who is out of Listed winner Spinacre (Verglas).
Camille Pissarro takes Qatar Jean-Luc Lagardere
Runner-up of the Class 2 £300.000 contest when last seen at Doncaster, the two-year-old Camille Pissarro (Wootton Bassett) showed his best foot to win the Gr.1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.
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Owned by M Tabor, D Smith, Mrs J Magnier & P M Brant and trained by Aidan O’Brien, the thoroughbred was the second string of Ballydoyle and was ridden by Christophe Soumillon who won this race for the first time.
With the unbeaten Misunderstood (Hello Youmzain) in the lead at a strong pace, the Irish-trained colt was patiently ridden in last. Once the pace collapsed, Camille Pissarro quickly passed the whole field inside the final 200m to win by a neck. Rashabar (Holy Roman Emperor) went second while the long time leader Misunderstood held on for third.
Winning jockey said after the race: “Ryan told me that he’s a horse who don’t really like to fight, it’s better to ride him cold. As I felt we were going fast early on I decided to keep us behind Stephane Pasquier but then it was going to a fight to keep this position so I dropped further back. In the back of Aurelien who is not really taking me anywhere I started to make an effort and straight away I felt I was on a machine”.
Bred by Cn Farm Ltd, he is out of Entreat (Pivotal). He’s a half brother to Gr.1 winner Golden Horde (Lethal Force), half brother to Listed winner Line Of Departure (Mehmas) and half brother to Listed winner Exhort (Dutch Art).
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Makarova beats Bradsell in the Abbaye
Sporting the colours of Brightwalton Bloodstock Ltd, Makarova (Acclamation) continued to improve when winning the Gr.1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines.
Trained by Ed Walker and ridden by Tom Marquand, the improving mare was a Gr.3 winner earlier this year and is now a Gr.1 winner.
Behind the leaders, Makarova always looked in a good position travelling nicely. When jockey asked for effort, the fantastic mare responded really well to challenge the hot favourite Bradsell (Tasleet) to beat him by one and a quarter lengths. Believing (Mehmas) was a close third.
Winning trainer said after the race: “She has been a real star for the yard. I was very confident once she jumped and Tom got her into a lovely rhythm. The rain came at the right time. Longchamp has been very lucky for me, I had a lot of success.”
Bred by Brightwalton Bloodstock Ltd, she is out of Listed winner Vesnina (Sea The Stars) and is a half sister to Gr.3 placed Nina Bailarina (Lope De Vega).
Unstoppable Friendly Soul wins Prix de l’Opera
It was the British-trained three-year-old Friendly Soul (Kingman) who took the Gr.1 Prix De l’Opera Longines at ParisLongchamp.
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Sporting the silks of George Strawbridge, Friendly Soul has now won five races from six life starts and gave a 1-2 in this race for trainer John & Thady Gosden.
Ridden by stable jockey Kieran Shoemark, the homebred filly tracked the leader Almara (Almanzor), who set a strong pace, in second. Challenging for the lead inside the final 400m, the superb filly found more close home to win and beat stable mate Running Lion (Roaring Lion) by three quarter of a length. Sparking Plenty (Kingman) ran on well in third.
Winning jockey said after the race: “Long time coming this season but this filly I get on with her so well, she’s fantastic. She has improved with each run. She should really have a clean record, she had an issue along the way, she was not herself at all. She’s a pretty special filly, that’s for sure.”
Bred by George Strawbridge, she is out of a Gr.3 winner In Clover (Inchinor), half sister to Gr.1 winner With You (Dansili), half sister to We Are (Dansili)
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Ramatuelle finally scores a first Gr.1 success in Qatar Prix de la Foret
The Gr.1 Prix de la Foret sponsored by QREC – saw the Christopher Head – trained, Ramatuelle (Justify) got back to winning ways after showing a huge model of consistency at the highest level.
The three-year-old ran under the colour of Infinity 9 Horses who is in partnership with Ecurie Des Monceaux, Hollymount Stud France SC, Chun Wai Kwok, Ilse Smits, Arthur Hoyeau and Clement Tropres.
With stable jockey Aurelien Lemaitre in the saddle, Ramatuelle traveled extremely well in the early stages of the 1400m contest. Right behind the leader Matilda Picotte (Sioux Nation), the talented filly showed an impressive turn of foot to beat the favourite Kinross (Kingman) by three lengths. Beauvatier (Lope De Vega) finished like a bullet in third.
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Speaking after the race, the winning jockey said: “She’s incredible this filly. Really over 1400m, she’s got some speed. And it was time for her to be crown and I’m happy that it happens on Arc weekend. It was a real bunch of quality, I’ve have never seen a field of that quality in this race for a long time. She’s very unique.”
Bred by Yeguada Centurion SLU, she is out of a Gr.2 winner Raven’s Lady (Raven’s Lady).
Perfect sponsorship and great gains
With the curtain falling on the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, the Qatari sponsorship of this event, through the existing partnership between QREC and France Galop, has achieved many gains and demonstrated the optimal investment of this sponsorship since its inception in 2008 and as it will continue until 2027.
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This successful partnership has resulted in confirming the role of the Qatar in supporting and promoting Arabian racing in Europe and interest in holding them alongside Thoroughbred racing, which has become tangible in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend every year, with prestigious Arabian races held at Saint-Cloud and ParisLongchamp during the weekend. The Qatar Arabian World Cup race has been receiving increasing interest, especially as it is held directly before the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe race.
The Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup is also the second leg of the Triple Crown award, which Qatar launched years ago with the aim of increasing competition between owners and trainers of Arabian racehorses. Every year, the HH The Amir Sword Festival at Al Rayyan Racecourse in Doha is the ideal occasion to hold the third and final leg of the Triple Crown. If the winner of the Gr1 PA HH The Amir Sword is the same horse who has won the first two leg; namely, the Gr1 PA Qatar International Stakes at Goowood and the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup in the same season, the horse is declared a winner of the Triple Crown. The feat took place last year when Al Ghadeer, owned by Al Shaqab Racing, won all three legs to be the second horse to realise the legendary achievement, following Ebraz, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani who did it in 2020.
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The “Mdmar” website 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.
