Intisar De Monlau dazzles on return to land Qetaifan Cup
Mdmar – Doha – Mohamed Saad
Photos by Juhim
France Galop President Mr Guillaume de Saint-Seine presented the Qetaifan Cup, accompanied by QREC Chairman Mr Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah, as the eighth race meeting of the season concluded at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The evening’s 8-race turf programme culminated in a commanding performance by Wathnan Racing’s Intisar De Monlau, who marked her seasonal reappearance with victory in the feature race. Her success completed a double for trainer Alban de Mieulle and a treble for jockey Soufiane Saadi.
Al-Attiyah Welcomes France Galop President
QREC Chairman Mr Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah welcomed France Galop President Mr Guillaume de Saint-Seine and Deputy Managing Director Mr Guillaume Herrnberger to Al Rayyan Racecourse this evening.
The evening opened with Deira Storm breaking his maiden in the 2000m Thoroughbred contest, producing a well-timed late challenge under Patrick Cosgrave. Tuyoof followed with one of the most impressive performances on the card, sweeping from the rear to score by 5 lengths on her seasonal reappearance. Saadi then completed a quick-fire double aboard Don Pacifico, who came from well off the pace to claim his second career victory. Atlantic War maintained the momentum for Wathnan Racing with an authoritative pillar-to-post success, opening his winning account by 3½ lengths. Tulaitila returned to winning ways for the first time since March 2025, finishing powerfully to give Hamad Al-Jehani his second winner of the evening. Prodigious Blue ended a winless spell dating back to November 2023, battling back to regain the lead and complete a double for Cosgrave. Another front-running display followed as Al Nasr Al Washeek made a successful seasonal return, gamely resisting a determined challenge from Sealine. The spotlight then fell on Intisar De Monlau, whose explosive acceleration inside the final 200m secured the Qetaifan Cup and rounded off a memorable evening for Saadi and de Mieulle.
Intisar De Monlau unleashes dazzling turn of foot
Intisar De Monlau (Al Mamun Monlau x Leila De Monlau) made a triumphant return to action with a brilliant late burst to capture the Qetaifan Cup, the feature and final race of the evening at Al Rayyan. The 5yo grey mare, representing Wathnan Racing, swept to a 1¾-length victory in the 1400m Purebred Arabian Conditions contest for 3yos+, a Class 2 event featuring 12 runners. Her success completed a double for trainer Alban de Mieulle and a treble for jockey Soufiane Saadi, bringing the meeting to a fitting conclusion.
Intisar De Monlau had established herself as a remarkably consistent performer before her latest break, finishing in the first 2 on each of her previous 5 starts, the most recent in February 2026. That sequence included a Group 2 triumph in the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup in January, and she returned looking every bit as formidable.
Jenkille Hipolyte (Al Mamun Monlau) took command early, with Ilasad (AF AlBahar) in pursuit and Intisar De Monlau settling comfortably in third after a smart break from stall 4. Lueur De Faust (AF AlBahar) soon improved into second while the chasing positions continued to change through the middle stages as Sejjel (Al Mourtajez) joined the contest behind the leader. Jenkille Hipolyte remained firmly in control entering the straight and was still travelling strongly approaching the final 200m. With his pursuers seemingly unable to make significant inroads, the long-time leader looked poised to complete a front-running success. Then Saadi asked Intisar De Monlau for her effort. The response was immediate and devastating. Unleashing an explosive turn of foot, the mare swept past Jenkille Hipolyte and continued to accelerate clear, sealing an emphatic victory.
Jenkille Hipolyte held second for owner-trainer Osama Al-Dafea and jockey Alberto Sanna, while Lueur De Faust finished just ¼ length further behind in third, representing owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Arnaud De Lepine.
Al Nasr Al Washeek makes all in determined seasonal return
Al Nasr Al Washeek (Toronado x Secret Question) made a winning return to action with a determined front-running display in Race 7, the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Handicap (45-70) for 3yos+, a Class 3 contest featuring 8 runners. The 7yo bay gelding, who had finished runner-up on his final appearance last season, went one better on his seasonal reappearance, scoring by 1 length for Injaaz Stud, trainer Jihad El Ahmad and jockey Alberto Sanna.
Having broken smartly from stall 6, Al Nasr Al Washeek wasted no time establishing himself at the head of the field. Alwaad (Trade Storm) immediately took up the chase, remaining close to the leader as the pair dictated the pace through the early and middle stages.
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The pressure began to mount approaching the home turn, with Al Shareeah (Zelzal), Madinat Bu Thaila (Kodiac) and Sealine (Ten Sovereigns) moving into contention behind the leading pair. Although Al Nasr Al Washeek continued to travel strongly in front, the chasing group was closing, and the race remained wide open as the runners straightened for home. The battle intensified inside the final 300m. Alwaad, Al Shareeah and Madinat Bu Thaila were all pressing forward, but Sealine emerged as the most serious threat, producing a sharp burst of acceleration to close rapidly on the long-time leader. Al Nasr Al Washeek was not to be denied. With Sanna urging him on, the Injaaz Stud gelding responded gamely, maintaining his advantage despite Sealine’s sustained challenge. He kept finding enough in the closing strides to complete another pillar-to-post victory on the evening.
Sealine secured second under Szczepan Mazur for Al Jeryan Stud and trainer M.H.K Al Attiyah while Madinat Bu Thaila took third, ridden by Arnaud De Lepine for owner Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Jehani and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. Alwaad, who had pursued the winner from the outset, finished fourth.
Prodigious Blue battles back to end 3-year drought
Prodigious Blue (Bated Breath x Hellofahaste) rediscovered his winning touch with a determined performance in Race 6, the 1200m Thoroughbred Handicap (75-95) for 3yos+, a Class 3 contest featuring 12 runners. On second start his season, the 7yo bay gelding, owned by Khalid Rashid Al-Mohannadi, put a disappointing sequence of results firmly behind him to record his first victory since November 2023. Trained by Rashid Al Jehani, he scored by 1 length under Patrick Cosgrave, who completed a double on the evening.
The contest developed into a fascinating battle between the 2 horses who had dominated proceedings from the outset. Prodigious Blue broke sharply from stall 4 and immediately took command, with Selected (Mehmas) tracking him closely. Merlier (Harry Angel), Kamakameleon (Kameko) and Pearling Path (Holy Roman Emperor) formed the next group and the running order remained largely unchanged through the early and middle stages. The real drama began as the field entered the home straight. Selected, who had shadowed Prodigious Blue throughout, suddenly raised his effort and swept into the lead. The long-time pacesetter refused to concede, however, and the pair became locked in a fierce duel, with their pursuers still close enough to threaten. For a moment, Selected appeared to have gained the upper hand, but Prodigious Blue responded with renewed determination. Inside the final 100m, Cosgrave’s mount fought his way back to the front and found enough to repel his challengers, completing a hard-earned return to the winner’s enclosure.
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Behind him, the battle for second produced a thrilling finish of its own. Pearling Path, representing Osama Omer Al-Dafea and trainer Hadi Al Ramzani, finished strongly under Marco Casamento to snatch second on the line. Selected, ridden by Salman Fahad Al-Hajri for Al Wajeeh Stud and trainer Mohammed Abdulhadi Al-Hajri, was edged into third by just a neck.
Tulaitila storms home to end lengthy winless spell
Tulaitila (Al Mourtajez x Kimfalah) marked her seasonal reappearance with a stirring victory in Race 5, the 1200m Purebred Arabian Handicap (65-85) for 3yos+, a Class 4 contest featuring 9 runners. The 6yo chestnut mare, owned by Injaaz Stud, returned to winning ways for the first time since March 2025, producing a powerful late challenge to score by 1 length. Arnaud De Lepine was in the saddle for Hamad Al-Jehani, who completed a training double on the card.
The early running belonged to Jalila Alghania (Al Mamun Monlau), who set the pace ahead of Dhouha (TM Thunder Struck) and Dabas (AF AlBahar). Tulaitila, meanwhile, was settled comfortably in midfield, with De Lepine allowing the mare to find her rhythm as the leaders established their positions. The complexion of the race began to change through the middle stages when Dabas moved forward to take over from Jalila Alghania. Safre Tourettes (Mister Ginoux) also improved from midfield to occupy third while Tulaitila remained patiently ridden behind the leading group. Dabas continued to dictate proceedings entering the home straight, but the decisive challenge was gathering momentum further back. Tulaitila suddenly quickened from midfield, sweeping into third as Jalila Alghania began to weaken. Her acceleration carried her rapidly into contention although Dabas still held the advantage approaching the final 200m. Switching her challenge to the outside, Tulaitila maintained her relentless progress, closing the gap with every stride. Inside the final 100m, she bore down on Dabas before snatching the lead in the final 50m and powering home to complete an impressive comeback.
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Dabas, ridden by Marco Casamento for owner Abdulrahman Batal Al-Otibi and trainer Nayef Batal Al-Otibi, had to settle for second after his bold front-running effort. Safre Tourettes secured third for Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, trainer Ahmed Al Jehani and jockey Faleh Bughenaim, finishing a further 4¾ lengths behind.
Atlantic War makes all to break maiden in commanding style
Atlantic War (Migwar x Yasmeen) opened his winning account with an authoritative pillar-to-post victory in Race 4, the 1600m Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-70) for 3yos, a Class 4 contest featuring just 3 runners. The bay colt, representing Wathnan Racing, proved much too strong for his rivals, scoring by 3½ lengths under Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri for trainer Alban de Mieulle. Having begun his racing career only in August this year, Atlantic War made his breakthrough on his 4th career start and second appearance in Qatar.
Quickly into his stride, Atlantic War immediately took command and settled into a steady rhythm, maintaining a comfortable advantage over Lghuwair Katara (Noor Al Hawa) and Ponfex (Ponfeigh). The 3 runners remained in the same order throughout the early and middle stages, with the leader travelling smoothly and showing no inclination to surrender his advantage. The first serious challenge appeared to be developing approaching the home turn where Lghuwair Katara began to close rapidly on the pacesetter. As the pair rounded the bend, the gap narrowed considerably, raising the prospect of a closely fought battle down the home straight. Atlantic War, however, had other ideas. No sooner had the field straightened for home than the Wathnan Racing colt produced an impressive burst of acceleration, instantly putting distance between himself and his pursuers. By the 300m mark, he had established an unassailable lead and the remainder of the contest became a procession as he galloped clear to seal a convincing maiden success.
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The battle for the minor honours provided the only late change in the running order. Ponfex, carrying the colours of Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, found another gear inside the final 100m to overhaul Lghuwair Katara and secure second under Mohammed Hassan Alabdulmalik for trainer Debbie Mountain. Lghuwair Katara finished a further 2 lengths behind in third, with Marco Casamento aboard for Katara Stud and trainer Hadi Al Ramzani.
Don Pacifico powers home to complete Saadi double
Don Pacifico (Night Of Thunder x Dubai Blue) delivered a powerful finishing effort to claim Race 3, the 1400m Thoroughbred Novice for 3yos+, a Class 5 contest attracting a full field of 16 runners. The 4yo chestnut gelding, owned by Faleh Suwayed Al Ajami and trained by Mohammed Al Ghazali, scored by 1½ lengths under Soufiane Saadi, who completed a quick-fire double on the card. Having finished third on his Qatar debut 3 weeks earlier, Don Pacifico improved to win at the second attempt locally, taking his career tally to 2 victories. His previous success had come in Britain in December 2024, where he had also recorded several placed finishes.
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Son Of Sarabi (Cable Bay) seized the initiative shortly after the start and established himself at the head of the field, pursued by Sizzling Seixas (Havana Grey), Kaytwo (Kodiac), Raykir (Siyouni) and Star With Purpose (Zoustar). Don Pacifico, meanwhile, was restrained towards the rear after leaving stall 10, with Saadi content to bide his time as the leaders maintained a largely unchanged order. Approaching the home turn, Don Pacifico began to improve into midfield although Son Of Sarabi continued to dictate proceedings. The long-time leader still held a clear advantage entering the straight, with Kaytwo attempting to close the gap. Inside the final 200m, however, the complexion of the race changed rapidly. Kaytwo began to weaken while Don Pacifico, having advanced into sixth, was gathering momentum with every stride. Producing a sustained burst of acceleration, he swept forward to join Son Of Sarabi, overhauled the leader and continued strongly to secure a convincing victory.
Son Of Sarabi held second under Saleh Salem Al-Marri, representing Al Zaeem Stud and trainer Mohammed Balasim Al Jumaili. Gold Medallist (Acclamation), who had spent much of the race towards the rear, finished strongly to take third, another length behind, with Jefferson Smith aboard for owner Mohammed Shaheen Al-Kuwari and trainer Gassim Al Ghazali.
Tuyoof produces breathtaking late burst to break maiden
Tuyoof (Pinatubo x Al Taayshah) made a spectacular return to action, storming to a 5-length victory in Race 2, the 1600m Thoroughbred Maiden for 3yos, a Class 6 contest featuring 10 runners. The bay filly, carrying the colours of Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, opened her winning account on her seasonal reappearance and 6th career start, producing a performance that left her rivals trailing in her wake. Trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and partnered by Soufiane Saadi, Tuyoof turned what had looked a competitive contest into an emphatic success.
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Starting from stall 8, Tuyoof was content to settle towards the rear, conserving her energy as Dark Sovereign (Dark Angel) dictated the pace. Maitre Mia (Flintshire), Star Banner (Starspangledbanner) and Wollemi (Wootton Bassett) formed the leading group behind him, with the order remaining largely unchanged through the early and middle stages. The tempo increased approaching the home turn as the pursuers began to close on Dark Sovereign, who continued to hold the advantage entering the straight. Wollemi was close behind, with Maitre Mia also firmly in contention, and the race appeared set for a battle among the established leaders. But Tuyoof had been waiting patiently to make her presence felt. Gathering momentum early in the straight, she swept forward from the rear with a remarkable burst of speed, rapidly erasing the deficit. Inside the final 200m, she joined the leaders before finding yet another gear, surging clear with astonishing ease. Her acceleration over the final 100m was particularly impressive, as she stretched her advantage to a commanding 5 lengths at the line.
Wollemi took second under Alberto Sanna for Al Emadi Racing and trainer Zuhair Mohsen, while Dark Sovereign held third, a further 1¼ lengths behind, with Marco Casamento aboard for owner Mubarak Mohammed Al-Shafi and trainer Gassim Al Ghazali.
Deira Storm strikes late to open winning account
Deira Storm (Blue Point x Petite Noblesse) returned to winning form with a determined late surge to land Race 1, the 2000m Thoroughbred Maiden for 3-6yos, a Class 6 contest featuring 14 runners. The 4yo bay gelding, owned by Yousuf Bakhit Al-Kuwari, trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki and ridden by Patrick Cosgrave, broke his maiden on his 3rd start of the season, prevailing by ¾ length. Having finished second on his seasonal debut before a midfield effort on his next appearance, both on dirt, Deira Storm relished the switch to turf and the longer distance to finally get off the mark.
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Despite his wide draw in stall 11, Deira Storm settled comfortably in midfield as Eddeki (Pivotal) took up the running. Combat Soldier (Soldier’s Call), Battle Drum (War Front), Ensyaaby (Footstepsinthesand), Allegorical (Study Of Man) and Mostaan (Too Darn Hot) formed the chasing group, with little separating them as they repeatedly exchanged positions behind the long-time leader. Eddeki continued to dictate proceedings through the middle stages and into the home straight where he appeared increasingly likely to break his maiden. The chasing pack, however, remained tightly grouped and the contest was still wide open as the field approached the final 200m. The closing stages brought a dramatic reversal. Battle Drum launched a strong challenge and swept into the lead inside the final 100m, seemingly poised to claim victory. But Deira Storm was finishing even faster. Emerging from behind the leading group, he produced a sharp burst of acceleration to overhaul Battle Drum in the final 50m and snatch a well-earned success.
Battle Drum secured second under Faleh Bughenaim for owner Mohammad Ibrahim Alfadala and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. Stablemate Mostaan finished just a head further behind in third, partnered by Alberto Sanna and carrying the colours of Nasser Abdulhameed Almulla.
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