Dark Trooper retains QA Gr3 Barzan Cup crown
Basalt lands QA Gr3 Thoroughbred Guineas
Mdmar – Doha – Mohamed Saad
The Guineas and Barzan Cup Day delivered a feature-packed card of nine turf races at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Thursday, 13 November, highlighted by an exceptional line-up of five cup contests. Lueur De Faust, Sealine, Basalt, Mueer Al Rayyan and Dark Trooper rose to the occasion in style, each producing a standout performance to capture their respective titles. Following every cup race, Mr Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winning connections.
Dark Trooper wins Barzan Cup for second year in a row
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Dark Trooper (Dark Angel x Warshah) showcased his trademark finishing power as he successfully defended his title in the QA Gr3 Barzan Cup for 4YO+ Thoroughbreds over 1600m. The Wathnan Racing-owned 5YO gelding, trained by Alban de Mieulle and partnered once again by last year’s winning jockey James Doyle, produced a perfectly timed late surge to score by half a length, securing back-to-back victories in the prestigious contest, which concluded the day.
Dark Trooper was ridden patiently at the rear of the nine-runner field while Smart Hero (Shamardal), trained by Gassim Al Ghazali for H.E. Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud and ridden by Alberto Sanna, dictated the early fractions. Aemilianus (Holy Roman Emperor), representing Sheikh Mohammed Salman Al-Thani and trained by Gassim Al Ghazali under Marco Casamento, tracked the pace throughout, with Supercooled (Lope De Vega) also prominent. Turning for home, several contenders launched their bids as the race transformed into a fierce sprint to the line. Aemilianus briefly looked the main threat, but Dark Trooper, still travelling strongly, was unleashed by Doyle in the final 200m, producing a decisive burst from the middle of the pack to sweep past his rivals and retain the crown in style. Aemilianus stayed on gamely for second, finishing three-quarters of a length ahead of his stablemate Smart Hero, who held on for third. The triumph wrapped up a fine double on the afternoon for Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle.
Basalt shines in QA Gr3 Thoroughbred Guineas
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In the penultimate race on the card, Basalt (Pinatubo x Alienate) enhanced his growing reputation with a commanding performance to claim the QA Gr3 Thoroughbred Guineas for 3YOs over 1600m. The grey colt, owned by H.E. Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud, delivered a polished display under Marco Casamento to remain unbeaten in two outings this season, drawing clear to win by 2¼ lengths and completing an evening double for trainer Gassim Al Ghazali and his in-form jockey.
Basalt settled just behind the early leaders as Suhail Star (Starspangledbanner) set a strong pace ahead of Green Storm (Circus Maximus). Turning for home, Basalt was travelling noticeably well and, once angled out, he quickened decisively to sweep past the long-time frontrunners and take control with ease. Siegen (Blue Point), trained by Hamad Al-Jehani for Hamad Meret Al-Hajri and ridden by Daniel Tudhope, finished powerfully from off the pace to secure second, two lengths ahead of Shadow Army (Showcasing), who ran on well for third for last year’s winning owner Wathnan Racing and trainer Alban de Mieulle under James Doyle, last year’s winning jockey.
Sealine lifts Local Thoroughbred Guineas
Sealine (Ten Sovereigns x Playamongthestars) maintained his excellent progression, adding the Local Thoroughbred Guineas to his record with a determined late effort over 1600m in Race 6. The Al Jeryan Stud colt, trained by M.H.K Al Attiyah, secured his second consecutive victory and his third win in his last four outings, finishing strongly under Szczepan Mazur to take the day’s sixth race by half a length.
The early running was controlled by Shahab Alseej (Oasis Dream), who set a steady tempo, with War Lady (Migwar) racing in second and Muhab Al Uraiq (Abide With Me) close behind. Sealine travelled in third for most of the journey, biding his time as the order remained largely unchanged. Once in the home straight, Sealine was angled out by Mazur and responded immediately, moving past War Lady into second before launching his challenge at the 200m mark. He reeled in Shahab Alseej in the closing strides, asserting his authority to win with a bit in hand. Shahab Alseej, owned and trained by Jassim bin Hamad Al-Atteya and ridden by Alberto Sanna, stayed on for second, a length and a half ahead of War Lady, who completed the placings for Wathnan Racing and Alban de Mieulle under Soufiane Saadi.
Lueur De Faust dazzles in Purebred Arabian Guineas
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In Race 5, Lueur De Faust (AF AlBahar x Faustine De Faust) made a stunning Qatar debut, producing a brilliant late surge to claim the Purebred Arabian Guineas for 4YOs over 1600m. The bay filly, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trained by Julian Smart, secured her second career win in five starts, finishing strongly under Alberto Sanna to score with authority.
Mac’zoom Al Shahania (Mared Al Sahra) dictated the pace for much of the race, with Sidi Star (No Risk Al Maury) settling just behind the leaders before improving into contention approaching the home straight. Sidi Star swept past the long-time leader and looked a likely winner, but the race changed complexion in the final 200m when Lueur De Faust, who had been held up at the rear throughout, was unleashed by Sanna. She produced a sweeping, decisive run down the outside to strike late and win comfortably by three quarters of a length. Sidi Star, trained by Hamad Al-Jehani for Al Falah Stud and ridden by Arnaud De Lepine, stayed on for second, three lengths ahead of stablemate Lattam (No Risk Al Maury), owned by Abdulrahamn Fahad Al-Attiyah and ridden by Daniel Tudhope, who completed the placings. Mr Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, crowned the winners of the Purebred Arabian Guineas.
Shabbab captures Sheraouh Island Cup
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Shabbab (Manark x Jeyoosh) delivered a commanding seasonal debut to take the Sheraouh Island Cup, a Class 2 contest for 4YO+ Purebred Arabians over 2000m, in the day’s fourth event. The 5YO bay horse, representing Al Shaqab Racing and trained by Jean de Mieulle, secured the third victory of his career on just his sixth start, producing a strong and polished performance under Faleh Bughenaim.
Breaking from barrier 1, Shabbab travelled smoothly throughout, settling behind the early pace as the field progressed in an even rhythm. Dawi (Amer), last year’s winner, set the pace throughout for H.E. Sheikha Iman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani and trainer Rudy Nerbonne with Lukas Delozier aboard while Ghanem (Tabarak), partnered by Marco Casamento for Al Eida Racing and trainer Gassim Al Ghazali, also remained close to the leaders. Once in the home straight, Shabbab was angled out for his challenge and responded impressively, producing a decisive surge in the final 300m to take command and draw clear for a comfortable three-length victory. Dawi stayed on to claim second, with Ghanem finishing third, another three lengths behind.
Taxiwala back on top with trademark late kick
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In Race 7, Taxiwala (Holy Roman Emperor x It’s True) reclaimed winning form in the Thoroughbred Open Race for 3YO+ over 1200m (Class 2), showing his class and experience to deliver a determined victory. The seasoned 8YO gelding, owned and trained by Eng. Osama Omer Al-Dafea and partnered by jockey Lukas Delozier, justified his position as race favourite, scoring by three-quarters of a length.
Taxiwala tracked the early pace set by Ends Of The Earth (Territories) and remained poised throughout, travelling smoothly just off the leader. Once in the home straight, he unleashed his trademark burst of speed to seize command in the closing stages. Ballymount Boy (Camacho), trained by Alban de Mieulle for Wathnan Racing and ridden by James Doyle, finished strongly to take second while Ends Of The Earth, trained by Julian Smart for Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and ridden by Alberto Sanna, kept on for third, a further length behind the runner-up.
Silca Blue opens account with determined victory
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Earlier on the day, Silca Blue (Space Blues x Queen of Silca) made his breakthrough on the fourth attempt, scoring a well-deserved maiden win in the opening race, the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for two-year-olds over 1400m, Class 6. The bay colt, trained by Gassim Al Ghazali for owner Sheikh Abdul Rahman Rashid Al-Thani, had shown consistency with two placed finishes in recent weeks and was rewarded for his persistence, winning by a length and a quarter under Marco Casamento.
From the outset, Silca Blue disputed the lead, closely tracking the early pace set by My George (Far Above), trained by Mohammed Al Ghazali for Abdulrahman Fahad Al-Attiyah and ridden by Soufiane Saadi. The pair drew clear of their rivals through the middle stages, with Affran (Wootton Bassett), the only filly in the field, representing Al Wasmiyah Farm for trainer Georges Mikhalides under Alberto Sanna, staying on behind. In the home straight, Silca Blue responded instantly to Casamento’s urgings, taking control in the final 200m and stretching out for a decisive win. My George held on gamely for second, two and a quarter lengths ahead of Affran in third.
Zameer makes winning debut with late flourish
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Zameer (Nizam x Shuaa) made a perfect start to his career, showing class and determination to take Race 2, the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate for 3YOs over 1600m (Class 6). The grey colt, representing Wathnan Racing and trained by Alban de Mieulle, was driven home by Soufiane Saadi to win by three-quarters of a length, leading a dominant one-two for his connections.
Zameer broke sharply to lead early before Raqeeq (Mister Ginoux) took over and dictated the pace for much of the race. The eventual winner remained close throughout, racing between second and third with Qiltan (TM Fred Texas), United (TM Thunder Struck) and Egaab Zakhir (La Hoor) all tracking the leading group. In the early home straight, Raqeeq was still in front, but just before the 300m mark Zameer and fellow debutant Qiltan swept past with a powerful surge, pulling well clear of the remainder. The pair battled in the same colours all the way to the line, with Zameer proving strongest to edge out his stablemate. Qiltan, trained by Alban de Mieulle for Wathnan Racing and ridden by James Doyle, finished second, four lengths ahead of Raqeeq, who secured third for Injaaz Stud, trainer Jihad El Ahmad and jockey Alberto Sanna.
Forceful Speed powers home with electrifying late burst
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Forceful Speed (New Bay x Praden) delivered a stunning performance to claim Race 3, a Thoroughbred Handicap (75–95) for 4YO+ over 2000m (Class 3). The 5YO chestnut gelding, owned by Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik and trained by Debbie Mountain, produced an exceptional late charge under Jefferson Smith to win by 1¼ lengths on his second start of the campaign, building smartly on his seasonal placed debut.
Forceful Speed was settled near the rear of the full 16-runner field for much of the race, appearing outpaced as Lucentio (Too Darn Hot) controlled affairs from the front, tracked by Foehn (Johnny Barnes), Pazeer (Siyouni) and Coco Jack (Wings Of Eagles). With the distance testing stamina, the leading contenders’ riders bided their time, only committing their mounts in the final 400m, where the race took a dramatic turn. A wall of runners surged forward, with Coco Jack and Warming (Too Darn Hot) both looking poised to strike. Warming, trained by Hamad Al-Jehani for Khalid bin Ghanem Al-Kuwari and ridden by Szczepan Mazur, emerged with a strong drive to grab second. But the telling blow came from Forceful Speed, who unleashed a huge, electrifying run up the inside rail, sweeping past rivals in the final strides to score decisively. Seulomonde (Dubawi), trained by Gassim Al Ghazali for Al Eida Racing and ridden by Marco Casamento, finished fast to take third in a blanket finish for the minor places, where only a nose, a neck and a head separated the 2nd, 3rd and 4th home. With this win under his belt, Forceful Speed has now secured direct qualification for the HH The Amir Shalfa in February.
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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.
