Keheilah Al Sakab storms home to land Asherij Cup
Mdmar – Doha – Mohamed Saad
Keheilah Al Sakab produced a powerful late surge to land the Asherij Cup, the feature event of the third meeting of the 2026/27 racing season at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday, 21 October. The seven-race card, staged on dirt, featured several impressive performances, dramatic finishes and notable returns to winning ways. The five-year-old mare, owned by Khalid Hamad Al-Atteya, swept past her rivals in the closing stages to claim the feature under Marco Casamento for trainer Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya. Mr Saad Ali Al Kubaisi, Deputy Director of the QREC Registration & Studbook Department, presented the Asherij Cup.
The meeting opened with a thrilling photo finish as Zaaeem broke his maiden by a head before Star With Purpose completed a double for sire Zoustar with an emphatic 6½-length victory on his Qatar debut. Al Jaroudi ended a lengthy wait for his first success in Race 3 while Tafawok narrowly prevailed in a fierce duel with fellow Injaaz Stud runner Ishraaqat in Race 4, the pair finishing 17 lengths clear of the rest. Blazing Sunset then made a commanding seasonal return with a four-length success, followed by Muqtarib, who held off a determined challenge to win Race 6 by a neck and complete a double for jockey Salman Fahad Al-Hajri. Keheilah Al Sakab rounded off the evening with a decisive victory in the Asherij Cup, returning to winning ways on her seasonal reappearance.
Keheilah Al Sakab unleashes devastating late burst
Keheilah Al Sakab (AF AlBahar x Keheilah) produced a devastating late burst to land the Asherij Cup, the day’s feature race, on her seasonal reappearance. The five-year-old grey mare returned to winning ways with a convincing 1¼-length victory in the Class 4 Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (60–90) for fillies and mares aged three and older over 1200m. Owned by Khalid Hamad Al-Atteya, she is trained by Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya and was ridden by Marco Casamento.
Breaking from stall one, Keheilah Al Sakab was settled towards the rear of the seven-runner field, with Casamento content to bide his time as Damaah (AF AlBahar) established herself in front. Damaah dictated the pace throughout the early and middle stages, closely pursued by AJS Najma (AF AlBahar). The leading pair maintained their positions approaching the home turn while Keheilah Al Sakab remained held up behind them. Damaah continued to lead well into the home straight, but AJS Najma was poised to challenge. Asked for her effort inside the final 300m, AJS Najma responded strongly, overhauling the long-time leader and appearing to have the race at her mercy. Keheilah Al Sakab, however, was only beginning to unleash her challenge. Sweeping through from the rear with an electrifying turn of foot, she passed her rivals one after another before surging past AJS Najma to settle the contest decisively.
AJS Najma held second for Al Jeryan Stud, trainer M.H.K Al Attiyah and jockey Arnaud De Lepine. Damaah, whose early efforts had kept the field at bay for much of the race, finished another 2¼ lengths behind in third. She carries the colours of Abdulaziz Saleh Al Jaber, with Alberto Sanna riding for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani.
Muqtarib holds off Shawaq Alseej in gripping finish
Muqtarib (AF AlBahar x Raadah) returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory in the sixth race, the Class 4 Local Purebred Arabian Graduation over 1200m. The six-year-old bay gelding, whose previous success came in January 2025, prevailed by a neck after a thrilling battle with Shawaq Alseej. Carrying the colours of Al Meqdam Racing, the Maayouf bin Hashim Al-Shamari-trained gelding was partnered by Salman Fahad Al-Hajri, who completed a double on the day.
Muqtarib settled behind the leading group as Kanz Al Adeed (AF AlBahar) took the early lead, followed by Sahrawi (Mared Al Sahra) and Shawaq Alseej (Yazeed). The latter soon moved forward to take command, with Sahrawi giving chase while Muqtarib continued to travel comfortably behind the pace. Approaching the home turn, Muqtarib began to make his move, accelerating into third before improving further to second as the field entered the straight. Shawaq Alseej was still in front, but Muqtarib was closing rapidly. The pair soon drew together, and Muqtarib found enough to overhaul the long-time leader. For a few strides, he appeared to be pulling away, but Shawaq Alseej refused to surrender. Responding gamely, the four-year-old colt began to reduce the deficit, setting up a gripping finish. Muqtarib dug deep to withstand the renewed challenge, holding on by a neck to secure a deserved victory.
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Shawaq Alseej finished a gallant second for Alseej Stud, with Soufiane Saadi aboard for trainer Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya. Sahrawi maintained his pursuit throughout the closing stages, but could not threaten the leading pair, finishing another two lengths behind in third. Mohammed Hassan Alabdulmalik rode him for owner Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik and trainer Ahmed Kobeissi.
Blazing Sunset dominates with emphatic seasonal return
Blazing Sunset (Bated Breath x Solar Pursuit) picked up where he left off last season with an emphatic four-length victory in the fifth race, the Class 4 Thoroughbred Handicap (60–80) over 1900m. The six-year-old bay gelding made a winning seasonal reappearance, dominating a full field of 14 runners with an assured front-running performance. Owned by Khalid Rashid Al-Mohannadi, he is trained by Rashid Al Jehani and was ridden by Szczepan Mazur.
Breaking well, Blazing Sunset initially settled in midfield as Calafiori (Ardad) set the early pace, followed by Glazunov (Frankel) and Noble Patron (Shamardal). However, Mazur soon had his mount moving forward, advancing into second approaching the first turn before pressing on to take command around the bend. Blazing Sunset maintained his advantage through the middle stages. Approaching the home turn, Deira Storm (Blue Point) improved from midfield to take second, ahead of Leicester Square (Masar), who had been prominent early on, and Calafiori. Entering the straight, Blazing Sunset remained firmly in control, although Noble Patron was beginning to accelerate into contention. The challenger briefly threatened to make a race of it, but the leader responded immediately, quickening again to stretch his advantage. The pair drew well clear of their pursuers, yet Blazing Sunset continued to increase the gap between himself and Noble Patron, galloping strongly to the line for a commanding success.
Noble Patron finished a clear second, five lengths ahead of the remainder, under Lukas Delozier for owner HE Meshaal bin Ali Al-Attiyah and trainer Mohammed Balasim Al Jumaili. Lord Deputy (Dubawi), who had raced towards the rear for much of the contest, finished third under Marco Casamento for Al Ghazali Stud and trainer Gassim AlGhazali.
Tafawok edges thrilling duel as Injaaz Stud dominates
Tafawok (Shamalgan x Tribale) made a winning return to action with a hard-fought victory in the fourth race, the Class 4 Local Thoroughbred Handicap (35–60) over 1700m. The seven-year-old bay horse prevailed by a head after a thrilling duel with fellow Injaaz Stud runner Ishraaqat (Dabirsim), with the pair finishing an extraordinary 17 lengths clear of their nearest pursuer. Trained by Jihad El Ahmad and ridden by Alberto Sanna, Tafawok bounced back from a last-place finish on his final appearance last season, having won his previous start.
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The early stages saw several changes among the leading runners before Tafawok established himself in front, pursued by Ishraaqat, Tawfeeq (Saxon Warrior) and Ayash (Danadana). Approaching the home turn, Ayash moved forward to take command, but his advantage proved short-lived as Ishraaqat swept past. Tafawok responded immediately, reclaiming the lead and setting the stage for a fierce battle between the two Injaaz Stud representatives. The contest developed into a gripping head-to-head struggle throughout the home straight. Ayash initially attempted to stay involved, but Tafawok and Ishraaqat continued to find more, pulling relentlessly away from the rest of the field. Neither would yield as they fought all the way to the line. In the final strides, Tafawok managed to get his head in front, narrowly denying his determined stablemate in ownership and securing a memorable seasonal debut.
Ishraaqat finished a gallant second under Nicolas Baudet for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani, completing a remarkable one-two in the colours of Injaaz Stud. Nadiraha (Vedevani), who had raced towards the rear for much of the contest, finished best of the rest to take third, 17 lengths behind the runner-up. The seven-year-old mare is owned and trained by Rashid Mohammed Alathba and was ridden by Maikon De Souza.
Al Jaroudi breaks his duck with commanding late charge
Al Jaroudi (AF AlBahar x Opale Du Croate) made a winning start to his 2026/27 campaign, finally breaking his duck with an impressive victory in the third race, the Class 6 Purebred Arabian Maiden for colts, geldings and horses aged four to six over 1200m. The six-year-old chestnut gelding, who had gone winless in 16 previous starts despite several placed efforts over three seasons, scored by 2¾ lengths. Owned by Al Rakaben Stud, he is trained by Dr Fahad Salman Al-Hajri and was ridden by Salman Fahad Al-Hajri.
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Al Jaroudi was initially held up towards the rear as Atlas Zakhir (TM Thunder Struck) set a strong pace, followed by Masqool (Harran ASF), Albahar (AF AlBahar) and Raawy (Nieshan). The leader maintained a commanding position through the early and middle stages, but Al Jaroudi was gradually making ground. Approaching the home turn, he advanced into fourth before quickly improving to third around the bend. His progress continued in the straight as he moved into second and closed rapidly on the long-time leader. Just before the 300m marker, Al Jaroudi swept past Atlas Zakhir to take command. He immediately asserted his superiority, opening a decisive advantage and keeping his pursuers comfortably at bay to secure a long-awaited maiden success. Midhal (Mister Ginoux), who had raced at the rear for much of the contest, produced a powerful late finish to claim second although his challenge came too late to trouble the winner. He was ridden by Soufiane Saadi for Ghazwan Racing and trainer Hadi Al Ramzani. Raawy, who had tracked the leaders throughout, finished third, further 1½ lengths behind, for owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Arnaud De Lepine while the early pacesetter Atlas Zakhir faded to fifth.
Star With Purpose dazzles on Qatar debut
Star With Purpose (Zoustar x Special Purpose) made a striking first appearance in Qatar, sweeping to a commanding 6½-length victory in the second race, the Class 6 Thoroughbred Maiden over 1200m. The three-year-old bay gelding, who had finished placed on his final two starts in Britain, opened his winning account at the fifth attempt in emphatic style. Owned by Mohammed Ahmed Al-Jehani, he is trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and was ridden by Lukas Delozier.
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Breaking well, Star With Purpose settled in third, travelling comfortably within striking distance of the leaders. Forteleza (Zoustar) dictated much of the pace although Mudhafar (Galileo Gold) briefly challenged her for the lead on a few occasions during the early stages. The four-year-old filly repeatedly asserted her advantage, maintaining control as the field approached the home turn. Star With Purpose, meanwhile, had been travelling strongly behind the leading pair. Asked to improve by Delozier leaving the bend, he responded immediately, moving into second before unleashing an impressive turn of foot in the straight. Taking command 300m from home, the gelding quickly put daylight between himself and his rivals. By the 200m marker, the outcome was beyond doubt, but he continued to stretch clear before being eased down in the closing strides. His effortless victory provided a compelling introduction to racing in Doha. Forteleza held second under Maikon De Souza for owner Saleh Saed Al-Hajri and trainer Nayef Batal Al-Otibi, completing a one-two for sire Zoustar, whose progeny had now won both opening races of the day.. Mudhafar finished another 1¾ lengths behind in third. Representing Rumailah Stud, he is trained by Rashid Al Jehani and was partnered by Jefferson Smith.
Zaaeem snatches maiden victory in photo finish
Zaaeem (Zoustar x Indigo Angel) opened his winning account in dramatic fashion, edging out Margesson in a thrilling photo finish to the first race, the Class 6 Thoroughbred Handicap (0–60) over 1700m. The four-year-old chestnut gelding, who finished third on his seasonal reappearance last week, went one better than second this time, prevailing by a head on his tenth career start. Owned by Saeed Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, he is trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki and was ridden by Faleh Bughenaim.
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Zaaeem initially raced in third before being eased back into midfield, where he remained through the early and middle stages. Up front, Delirious Dream (Oasis Dream) and Combat Soldier (Soldier’s Call) repeatedly exchanged the lead, with Pour La Vie (Time Test) briefly taking command around the first turn. The original pacesetters soon resumed their battle while Margesson (Pride Of Dubai) moved up strongly to track them in third. The order remained largely unchanged until the home straight, which Combat Soldier entered in front. Delirious Dream quickly regained the advantage and appeared to have the race under control, but the contest was about to take another dramatic turn. Inside the final 300m, Margesson surged into contention, moving into second before sweeping to the front. He looked the likely winner approaching the final 100m, only for Zaaeem to unleash a powerful late charge from behind. The pair fought out a fierce duel all the way to the line, crossing almost together before the photograph confirmed Zaaeem’s narrow victory.
Margesson took second under Salman Fahad Al-Hajri for Al Fakhama Racing and trainer Khalifa Al-Buainain. Delirious Dream finished another length behind in third for owner Nasser Owaida Salem Al Hajri. He is trained by Owaida Salem Al Hajri and was partnered by Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri.
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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.
