Doha Bu Thaila dazzles on seasonal return to claim Al Noof Cup
Mdmar – Mohamed Saad – Doha
Photos by Juhaim
The 11th meeting of the 2026/27 season took place at Al Uqda Racecourse on Saturday, 14 November, with eight races on dirt providing an exciting evening of action on Al Noof Cup Day. The feature race saw Doha Bu Thaila (Harry Angel) make a triumphant seasonal return, extending her winning streak to five consecutive victories for Wathnan Racing. QREC Racing Manager Mr Abdulla bin Rashid Al-Kubaisi presented the Al Noof Cup to the winning connections.
The afternoon opened with Forteleza (Zoustar) showing tremendous determination to break her maiden in a thrilling short-head finish before Tiswahum (Al Malhouf) made significant improvement on her debut effort to open her winning account in convincing fashion. Politico (Blue Point) returned to winning ways in the Qatari jockeys’ handicap, producing a decisive late surge under Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri. Manos Arriba (Tamayuz) then came from the rear to land the fourth race, initiating a double for trainer Gassim Al Ghazali and jockey Marco Casamento, who struck again when Al Kazim (Al Mamun Monlau) swept past his rivals with an impressive finishing burst in the fifth. Blazing Sunset (Bated Breath) followed with a determined front-running display to claim the sixth race under Patrick Cosgrave while Damaah (AF AlBahar) dominated from start to finish in the seventh, extending her winning sequence to two with another commanding performance under Alberto Sanna before Doha Bu Thaila rounded off the meeting in style with her Al Noof Cup triumph.
Doha Bu Thaila leaves rivals chasing shadows with dazzling return
Doha Bu Thaila (Harry Angel x Always Thankful) made a spectacular seasonal reappearance to capture the Al Noof Cup, the 1300m Local Thoroughbred Open Race for 3yos+, in emphatic fashion. The five-year-old bay mare, representing Wathnan Racing, extended her remarkable winning streak to five consecutive victories with a commanding 3½-length success. Trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Soufiane Saadi, she delivered another scintillating performance to reaffirm her dominance.
Breaking from stall 1, Doha Bu Thaila was immediately restrained into third, with Saadi content to bide his time behind the early leaders. Alwaad (Trade Storm) established himself in front, followed by Sealine (Ten Sovereigns), and the trio maintained their positions throughout the early and middle stages. Alwaad continued to dictate proceedings approaching the home turn, seemingly travelling comfortably as his pursuers waited for an opportunity. Doha Bu Thaila remained poised in third, conserving her energy for the decisive stages. The race changed dramatically entering the home straight. Once Saadi asked his mount to quicken, the response was electrifying. Doha Bu Thaila unleashed a dazzling turn of foot, sweeping past Sealine and the long-time leader before accelerating clear inside the final 300m. From that moment, she was racing in a league of her own, leaving her rivals chasing shadows as she powered effortlessly towards another impressive victory.
Alwaad held second under Faleh Bughenaim, representing Al Emadi Racing and trainer Zuhair Mohsen. Maysara (Dubday), who had raced second-last through the early and middle stages, produced a powerful late finish to claim third, a further 1 length behind, with Arnaud De Lepine aboard for Mohammed Abdulhadi Al-Hajri and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.
Damaah dominates from start to finish for second straight win
Damaah (AF AlBahar x Farashat Yasmina) continued her excellent run of form with a commanding pillar-to-post victory in Race 7, the 1200m Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (60–80) for 3yos+, a Class 4 contest featuring six runners. The five-year-old bay mare, carrying the colours of Abdulaziz Saleh Al Jaber, recorded her second consecutive victory on her third appearance of the campaign, scoring by 2½ lengths under Alberto Sanna for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani. Having ended last season with two runner-up finishes and a victory, Damaah returned to action with a third-place finish before winning her next two starts, maintaining an impressive sequence of consistent performances.
She wasted no time asserting her authority, breaking smartly to take command from the outset. Her stablemate Jalila Alghania (Al Mamun Monlau) led the pursuit, followed by Deauville (AF AlBahar) and Al Maqam (No Risk Al Maury), but Damaah maintained a firm grip on proceedings throughout the early and middle stages. The chasing group began to close ranks entering the home straight, with Al Maqam making significant progress to challenge Jalila Alghania for second. The leader, however, remained firmly in control. Inside the final 300m, Sanna asked Damaah to quicken and the response was immediate. She accelerated sharply, stretching her advantage and putting the outcome beyond doubt, leaving her rivals to contest the minor honours.
Al Maqam finished strongly to claim second under Arnaud De Lepine, representing Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. Jalila Alghania held third, a further 1¼ lengths behind, with Jefferson Smith aboard for Sheikh Talal Nasser Al-Thani, completing a first-and-third finish for Hadi Al Ramzani.
Blazing Sunset makes every yard count in determined victory
Blazing Sunset (Bated Breath x Solar Pursuit) produced a resolute front-running performance to land Race 6, the 2000m Thoroughbred Handicap (65–85) for 3yos+, a Class 4 contest featuring nine runners. The six-year-old bay gelding, owned by Khalid Rashid Al-Mohannadi, returned to winning ways after finishing fourth on his previous outing, recording his sixth career victory. Trained by Rashid Al Jehani and ridden by Patrick Cosgrave, he scored by 1 length, adding to the victories he had registered on his final start last season and his seasonal reappearance.
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Breaking sharply from stall 7, Blazing Sunset quickly seized the initiative and established himself at the head of the field. Brise Noir (Almanzor) and Kadovar (Dark Angel) formed the principal chasing group, but despite their persistent pursuit, neither could seriously challenge the leader through the early and middle stages. The order remained unchanged approaching the home straight where Blazing Sunset continued to dictate proceedings. Kadovar began to weaken while One Nation (Dubawi) and Gulf Legend (Dubawi), both held up towards the rear, started making significant headway. Brise Noir, meanwhile, refused to relent. Passing the 200m mark, he closed menacingly on the long-time leader, raising doubts about whether Blazing Sunset could sustain his front-running effort. But the response was emphatic. Inside the final 100m, Cosgrave’s mount found another gear, stretching his advantage to repel the challenge and secure a thoroughly deserved victory.
Brise Noir held second under Faleh Bughenaim for owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. Gulf Legend finished strongly to take third, a further ½ length behind, with Alberto Sanna aboard for Sheikh Abdul Rahman Rashid Al-Thani and trainer Gassim Al Ghazali.
Al Kazim unleashes dazzling late surge to return to winning ways
Al Kazim (Al Mamun Monlau x Gaswa) returned to winning ways with an impressive late surge in Race 5, the 1200m Purebred Arabian Handicap (65–85) for 3yos+, a Class 4 contest featuring nine runners. The six-year-old bay horse, who had finished runner-up on his seasonal debut, rediscovered his best form on his third appearance of the campaign to record his fifth career victory. Owned by Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohamed bin Faleh Al-Thani, he scored by 1¼ lengths under Marco Casamento, completing a double on the card for both jockey and trainer Gassim Al Ghazali.
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Jazz De Nacre (Al Mourtajez) established the early lead, followed by Lwich De Bozouls (No Risk Al Maury) and Albatar (AF AlBahar). Al Kazim, meanwhile, was held up towards the rear, just ahead of Navarzato (Majd Al Arab), as the leading trio maintained their positions through the early and middle stages. Approaching the home turn, the runners at the rear began making gradual headway while Alzabyr (Alsaker), who had raced in midfield, also improved his position. Jazz De Nacre, Lwich De Bozouls and Albatar remained prominent entering the straight, but their advantage was rapidly diminishing as the late challengers gathered momentum. Inside the final 200m, Al Kazim produced a dazzling turn of foot down the outside, sweeping past his rivals to seize the lead before powering clear for a convincing victory.
Navarzato followed him through to secure second under Soufiane Saadi for Al Ghazali Stud and trainer Mohammed Al Ghazali. Alzabyr completed the late-running trio in third, a further 2½ lengths behind, with Salem Alajmi aboard for owner Nasser Saif Al-Kubaisi and trainer Mohammed Al Ghazali.
Manos Arriba sweeps from rear to claim thrilling victory
Manos Arriba (Tamayuz x Mo Chara) put his disappointing early-season form behind him with a stirring victory in Race 4, the 2000m Thoroughbred Handicap (50–70) for 3yos+, a Class 5 contest featuring 14 runners. The five-year-old bay gelding, owned by Al Eida Racing, bounced back from two unsuccessful starts this campaign to double his career tally. Trained by Gassim Al Ghazali and ridden by Marco Casamento, he prevailed by ½ length after a powerful late charge.
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Breaking from stalls 11 and 14 respectively, Manos Arriba and Lightning Leo (Night Of Thunder) were both held up towards the rear through the early and middle stages. Due To Dance (Due Diligence), meanwhile, established the lead shortly after the start, followed by Maraaheb (Sottsass), The Hrse Horse (Invincible Spirit) and Mount Dukono (Le Havre). The leading group maintained their positions for much of the journey, with Due To Dance continuing to dictate proceedings. Approaching the home turn, Manos Arriba and Lightning Leo began making significant headway while Atlantic Convoy (Galileo), who had settled in midfield after breaking from stall 3, was already advancing. The trio closed rapidly on the long-time leader and his pursuers in the home straight, transforming the contest into a thrilling battle between the late challengers.
Inside the final 100m, Manos Arriba found another gear, surging into the lead before holding his advantage to the line. Lightning Leo followed him through to secure second under Mohammed Hassan Alabdulmalik for Al Gaiah Racing and trainer Abdulla Dhabit Aldosari. Atlantic Convoy completed the late-running trio in third, a further ¾ length behind, for owner-trainer Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki.
Politico returns to winning ways with decisive late surge
Politico (Blue Point x Servalan) showed marked improvement on his seasonal debut to claim an impressive victory in Race 3, the 1200m Thoroughbred Handicap (0–70) for 3yos+, a Class 5 contest restricted to Qatari jockeys and featuring 11 runners. The five-year-old bay horse, owned by Mohammed Fahad Al-Hajri, recorded his fifth career victory on his second appearance of the campaign, scoring by 1½ lengths under Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri for trainer Owaida Salem Al Hajri.
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Temple Of Hera (Magna Grecia) and Mobilise (Footstepsinthesand) disputed the early lead, while Politico, breaking from stall three, was eased back to settle in fifth. The leading pair continued to set the pace before Mobilise established himself in front passing the first turn, with Temple Of Hera close behind. Glengarra (Profitable) and Neebrook (Mehmas) formed the next chasing group while Politico remained within striking distance, travelling comfortably as the field approached the home straight. The complexion of the race changed as Politico began to advance, moving into fourth and closing rapidly on the leaders. With the front-runners still battling for supremacy, Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri asked his mount for a decisive effort. Politico responded with an impressive burst of acceleration, sweeping into the lead inside the final 200m. Once in front, he maintained his momentum and pulled clear to seal a convincing victory.
Temple Of Hera held second under Abdulla Saleh Al Yafei for owner Abdulrahman Batal Al-Otibi and trainer Nayef Batal Al-Otibi. Mobilise finished third, a further ½ length behind, with Meteb Ali Al-Marri aboard for Aldeebl Racing and trainer Zuhair Mohsen.
Tiswahum bounces back to open winning account
Tiswahum (Al Malhouf x Our Dream Queen) showed marked improvement on her debut effort to claim a convincing victory in Race 2, the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Maiden for 3yos, a Class 6 contest featuring four runners. The bay filly, who had finished a well-beaten 7th of 12 on her debut a fortnight earlier, made significant progress on her second career start to break her maiden in style. Representing Injaaz Stud, she scored by 2½ lengths under Arnaud De Lepine for trainer Ahmed Al Jehani.
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The contest began with Al Mutahaffizah (Al Malhouf) and Lghuwair Katara (Noor Al Hawa) exchanging the lead, neither able to establish a decisive advantage in the early stages. Lghuwair Katara eventually took command through the middle part of the race while Tiswahum and Numas Alseej (Danadana) travelled comfortably behind the leading pair. As the runners approached the home straight, Tiswahum began to make her presence felt, moving smoothly into second before quickening impressively to challenge the leader. Passing the 300m mark, De Lepine asked his mount to accelerate and the response was immediate. Tiswahum swept into the lead and quickly established a commanding advantage, leaving her rivals with a considerable task. Numas Alseej and Al Mutahaffizah both attempted to close the gap inside the final 200m, but neither could seriously threaten the winner, who maintained her momentum to score comfortably.
Numas Alseej secured a comfortable second under Faleh Bughenaim for Alseej Stud and trainer Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya. Al Mutahaffizah finished third, a further 3 lengths behind, with Lukas Delozier aboard for Injaaz Stud and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.
Forteleza digs deep to break maiden in thrilling finish
Forteleza (Zoustar x Sagres) showed tremendous determination to break her maiden in the opening race, the 1200m Thoroughbred Maiden for three- to six-year-olds, a Class 6 contest featuring eight runners. The four-year-old bay filly, who had finished runner-up on her previous two starts, finally went one better with a hard-fought short-head victory. Owned by Saleh Saed Al-Hajri, trained by Nayef Batal Al-Otibi and ridden by Maikon De Souza, she displayed admirable courage to prevail in a pulsating finish.
Breaking sharply from stall two, Forteleza quickly established herself in front, taking the lead from Perfect Dark (Ardad) shortly after the start. Perfect Dark, Boss Dog (Zoustar) and Ocean Of Storms (Night Of Thunder) formed the chasing group, exchanging positions behind the long-time leader. The order remained largely unchanged until the approach to the home turn where Perfect Dark began to weaken. Ocean Of Storms, meanwhile, was gathering momentum and accelerated strongly entering the straight to close rapidly on Forteleza. Inside the final 200m, the pair drew clear of their rivals and became locked in a fierce battle for supremacy. Neither was prepared to yield and Ocean Of Storms briefly gained a narrow advantage. But Forteleza responded magnificently, rallying in the final strides to regain the lead and snatch victory on the line.
Ocean Of Storms took second under Marco Casamento for Peninsula Racing and trainer Mohammed Al Ghazali. Cluain Peata (Sergie Prokofiev), who had raced behind midfield, finished best of the remainder to secure third, a further 2¾ lengths behind, with Mohammed Hassan Alabdulmalik aboard for owner Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hajri and trainer Dr Fahad Salman Al-Hajri.
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