Rayyan Bu Thaila lands Al Hamla Cup on seasonal return
Mdmar – Mohamed Saad
Photos by Juhaim
Rayyan Bu Thaila made a winning seasonal return to land the Al Hamla Cup, the feature event of the second meeting of the 2026/27 racing season at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Thursday, 15 October. The nine-race card, staged on turf, produced a series of impressive performances and closely contested finishes. In the feature race, the Injaaz Stud-owned gelding delivered a powerful late challenge to secure victory under Alberto Sanna for trainer Jihad El Ahmad. QREC Racing Manager Mr Abdulla bin Rashid Al-Kubaisi presented the Al Hamla Cup following the race.
The afternoon began with a remarkable treble for trainer Rudy Nerbonne, whose runners Jadwat Al Shahania, Assfa Al Shahania and Mehbas Al Shahania swept the opening three races. Maraaheb then struck late to complete a one-two for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani in Race 4, before De Bruyne prevailed by a head in a thrilling finish to Race 5, giving owner Ghanim Ahmed Al-Jehani a memorable victory in the saddle. War Boy returned to winning ways in Race 6, while Dapper Charm quickened clear in Race 7 to complete a treble on the day for jockey Lukas Delozier. Sidi Star followed with a decisive success in Race 8, securing a double for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani before Rayyan Bu Thaila brought the meeting to a close with his Al Hamla Cup triumph, completing a double for jockey Alberto Sanna.
Rayyan Bu Thaila strikes late to maintain winning form
Rayyan Bu Thaila (Bated Breath x Facade) carried his strong form from last season into the new campaign with an impressive victory in the ninth and feature race, the Al Hamla Cup. The five-year-old gelding, owned by Injaaz Stud, produced a decisive late burst to land the Class 2 Local Thoroughbred Conditions contest over 1400m by 1¼ lengths. Trained by Jihad El Ahmad, he was partnered by Alberto Sanna, who completed a double on the nine-race card.
Starting from stall six, Rayyan Bu Thaila settled at the rear of the seven-runner field as Al Buraq (Nathaniel) established an early lead. Harb (Time Test) initially followed in second before Best Way (Migwar) briefly moved ahead of him. Harb soon regained second while Al Buraq continued to dictate a strong pace and opened up a considerable advantage. Approaching the home turn, Rayyan Bu Thaila began to improve rapidly, moving into fourth before advancing to third in the straight. Meanwhile, Al Buraq’s early exertions were beginning to tell. His advantage diminished quickly as the chasing pack closed in. Harb was first to overhaul the weakening leader, but Rayyan Bu Thaila was gathering momentum. Inside the final 200m, he unleashed an impressive turn of foot, sweeping past his rivals to take command and securing a convincing victory.
Saida (Migwar) and Maysara (Dubday), who had occupied the last two positions for much of the race, finished strongly to claim the minor honours. Saida took second under Lukas Delozier for Time Form Syndicate, with Maysara just a nose behind in third for owner Mohammed Abdulhadi Al-Hajri and jockey Arnaud De Lepine. Both are trained by Hamad Al-Jehani, completing a one-two in the minor placings for the trainer.
Sidi Star finishes strongest to return to winning ways
Sidi Star (No Risk Al Maury x Larissa Star) returned to winning ways with a determined performance in the eighth race, the Purebred Arabian Handicap (85–105) over 1600m. The five-year-old gelding, owned by Al Falah Stud, recorded his second career victory, having previously scored in January 2025. Ridden by Nicolas Baudet, he prevailed by 1¼ lengths in the five-runner contest, completing a double on the day for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.
Starting from stall 4, Sidi Star was settled at the rear as Khalil Du Croate (No Risk Al Maury) took the early lead. Labwa De Carrere (AF AlBahar) soon moved forward to take command, with Khalil Du Croate tracking in second. The running order changed again when Zakadir (Al Mamun Monlau) advanced from the rear to lead ahead of Labwa De Carrere. Meanwhile, Sidi Star was still held up but began to make significant headway approaching the home turn. Producing an impressive move around the bend, Sidi Star rapidly closed on the leaders and moved into third. The field remained closely grouped as the contest intensified in the straight, with several runners still holding chances. Inside the final 300m, Sidi Star found another gear and surged to the front. Khalil Du Croate renewed his effort while RB Hot Mess (Rathowan), who had spent much of the race at the rear, also finished strongly. Neither could match Sidi Star’s decisive acceleration, however, as he maintained his advantage to the line.
Khalil Du Croate secured second under Arnaud De Lepine for owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al-Kuwari and trainer Ahmed Al Jehani. RB Hot Mess finished another 1¼ lengths behind in third. Carrying the colours of Yosuf Ahmad Telfat, he is trained by Bader Al Balushi and was ridden by Alberto Sanna.
Dapper Charm quickens clear to complete Delozier treble
Dapper Charm (Dandy Man x Positive Mentality) produced an impressive turn of foot to claim his third career victory in the seventh race, the Class 3 Thoroughbred Handicap (70–90) over 1400m. The three-year-old colt, owned by Saif Jassem Alsulaiti, scored by two lengths under Lukas Delozier, who completed a treble on the day. Trained by Hamad Al-Jehani, Dapper Charm delivered a convincing performance against six rivals.
Breaking sharply from the widest stall, Dapper Charm immediately took the lead before Delozier restrained him into fourth to find cover. Zoiros (Sioux Nation) then assumed command, setting the pace through the early and middle stages, with Aablan (Dubawi) and Selous (Lope De Vega) in pursuit. Dapper Charm began to improve after the first turn, gradually closing on the leaders. By the time the field negotiated the final bend, he had moved into second behind Zoiros and was travelling strongly. Approaching the final 300m, Delozier asked his mount for a decisive effort. Dapper Charm responded instantly, sweeping past Zoiros with ease before stretching clear. He continued to extend his advantage through the closing stages, leaving his rivals unable to match his acceleration and securing a comfortable victory.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Monapia (Harry Angel), who had raced at the rear for much of the contest, finished strongly to take second for Injaaz Stud. He is trained by Ahmed Al Jehani and was ridden by Arnaud De Lepine. Don Pacifico (Night Of Thunder) also made late headway from towards the rear, claiming third another ¾ length behind. Soufiane Saadi partnered him for owner Faleh Suwayed Al Ajami and trainer Mohammed Al Ghazali.
War Boy returns to winning ways with determined success
War Boy (Migwar x Firdous) returned to winning ways with a determined performance in the sixth race, the Class 5 Local Thoroughbred Novice over 1400m. The lightly raced five-year-old gelding, carrying the colours of Wathnan Racing, recorded his second career victory on just his fifth appearance, having first tasted success in November 2024. Trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri, he prevailed by a length against eight rivals.
War Boy broke well but was settled behind the early leaders as Madinat Bu Thaila (Kodiac) took command ahead of E’Zz (Trade Storm) and Neshan (Redback). The latter pair briefly disputed the lead approaching the first turn before Madinat Bu Thaila regained control shortly afterwards. Travelling comfortably, War Boy gradually improved into third behind E’Zz, keeping the leaders within striking distance. Madinat Bu Thaila continued to dictate proceedings as the field approached the home straight, but War Boy was already making ground. He moved into second shortly after straightening before producing a sustained challenge inside the final 300m. Responding strongly to his rider, he swept past Madinat Bu Thaila to take the lead. The long-time leader fought back in an attempt to regain her advantage, but War Boy refused to yield and maintained his momentum to secure a well-earned victory.
Shahab Alseej (Oasis Dream), who had spent much of the contest towards the rear, finished strongly to snatch second under Marco Casamento. He is owned by Alseej Stud and trained by Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya. Madinat Bu Thaila held third, another length behind, for owner Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Jehani. The Hamad Al-Jehani-trained mare was partnered by Arnaud De Lepine.
De Bruyne gets up on the line in thrilling finish
De Bruyne (Dutch Art x Danehill Revival) produced a perfectly timed late challenge to snatch victory in the fifth race, the Class 5 Thoroughbred Handicap (0–75) over 1100m for Qatari and apprentice jockeys. The six-year-old gelding recorded his fourth career success by a head in a thrilling finish against seven-runner opposition. Owned and ridden by Ghanim Ahmed Al-Jehani, he is trained by Ahmed Al-Jehani, making the victory particularly memorable for his owner-jockey.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
De Bruyne broke alertly and settled into third behind Temple Of Hera (Magna Grecia), who established an early lead, and Sir Palamedes (Footstepsinthesand). The trio maintained their positions throughout the early and middle stages, with Temple Of Hera dictating the pace and his two closest pursuers keeping him firmly in their sights. Although the remaining runners were never far away, the leading three appeared to have matters under control. Temple Of Hera continued to travel strongly in front and maintained his advantage into the home straight, looking increasingly likely to complete a pillar-to-post success. De Bruyne, however, had other ideas. Responding to his rider’s encouragement inside the final 100m, he began to close relentlessly on the long-time leader. Gathering momentum with every stride, he gradually erased the deficit before getting his head in front on the line to secure a dramatic victory.
Temple Of Hera was narrowly denied under Abdulla Saleh Al Yafei for owner Abdulrahman Batal Al-Otibi and trainer Nayef Batal Al-Otibi. Sir Palamedes finished just ¼ length behind in third, completing a closely contested finish. Carrying the colours of Time Form Syndicate, he is trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and was ridden by Hamad Meshlesh Al-Khayarin.
Maraaheb strikes late to complete Al Ramzani one-two
Maraaheb (Sottsass x Silver Rain) picked up where he left off last season, doubling his career tally with a determined late victory in the fourth race, the Class 6 Thoroughbred Handicap (45–65) over 1600m. The four-year-old gelding, owned by Khamis Ali Khamis Al-Sulaiti, finished strongly under Alberto Sanna to head a one-two for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani in a competitive 14-runner contest.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Breaking well from stall 3, Maraaheb initially settled in fourth before being restrained further back as Sanna waited for the right moment to make his move. Seeking Gold (Havana Gold) dictated the early and middle stages, followed by Zaaeem (Zoustar) and Delirious Dream (Oasis Dream). The lead changed hands repeatedly as the field approached the home turn. Zaaeem briefly took command before Seeking Gold regained the advantage, only for Delirious Dream to move ahead around the bend. Seeking Gold responded once more in the early straight, but Zaaeem soon renewed his effort and swept to the front. With 200m remaining, Zaaeem appeared to have the race in his grasp. However, Maraaheb and Katleiya (Gleneagles), both making steady progress from midfield, suddenly quickened to challenge. Maraaheb produced the stronger finishing burst, taking over inside the final 100m and maintaining his advantage to the line.
Katleiya also passed Zaaeem to secure second, completing the one-two for Al Ramzani. Owned by Abdulaziz Saleh Al Jaber, she was ridden by Marco Casamento. Zaaeem held third, another length behind, for owner Saeed Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. He is trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki and was partnered by Mohammed Moussa.
Mehbas Al Shahania completes remarkable Nerbonne treble
Mehbas Al Shahania (Burning Sand x Mah’mia) continued the remarkable opening-day form of trainer Rudy Nerbonne, giving him his third winner from the first three races on the card. The four-year-old colt, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, opened his account on just his second career start, almost a year after making his debut. Ridden by Lukas Delozier, who completed a double of his own, he prevailed by a length in the third race, the Class 6 Local Purebred Arabian Maiden over 1400m, contested by 15 runners.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Mehbas Al Shahania settled in midfield as AJS Lekhraib (Munjiz) took the early lead ahead of AJS Al Mourtajez (Al Mourtajez) and Ahlem (TM Fred Texas). The latter moved to the front approaching the first turn, pursued by Seroor Al Shahania (Aziz ASF). AJS Lekhraib regained command after the turn, with Ahlem and Folad Zakhir (La Hoor) close behind. The lead changed hands again around the home bend where Ahlem briefly took over before AJS Lekhraib responded in the early straight. Mehbas Al Shahania then swept forward from midfield to seize the initiative, but Tabaa Zakhir (La Hoor) and Ghada (No Risk Al Maury) were also closing strongly. Tabaa Zakhir briefly headed the eventual winner, only for Mehbas Al Shahania to rally impressively. Finding another burst of speed inside the final 200m, he regained the lead and stayed on strongly to secure a determined victory.
Tabaa Zakhir finished second under Marco Casamento for Sheikh Ahmad Ali Al-Thani & Sons and trainer Gassim Al Ghazali. Ghada took third, another two lengths behind, carrying the colours of Khalifa bin Sheail Al-Kuwari. She is trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and was partnered by Nicolas Baudet.
Assfa Al Shahania makes all to complete early double
Assfa Al Shahania (Assy x Princesse Monlau) continued the flying start made by Al Shahania Stud and trainer Rudy Nerbonne, who claimed the first two races on the card. The four-year-old filly opened her account with an impressive pillar-to-post victory in the second race, the Class 6 Purebred Arabian Rated Maiden over 1400m. Making her seasonal debut and fifth career appearance, she scored by 2¾ lengths under Faleh Bughenaim, leaving her six rivals trailing.
Breaking sharply from stall 5, Assfa Al Shahania immediately took command and established herself at the head of the field. Albahar (AF AlBahar) settled into second, with Hafez Al Shahania (Harran ASF) following in third. The leader continued to dictate proceedings as the field negotiated the first turn while Ershaadaat (Nieshan) improved from midfield to move into third. The leading trio maintained their positions approaching the home bend, with Assfa Al Shahania travelling strongly in front. Once into the straight, the filly found another gear and began to stretch her advantage. Her pursuers could make little impression as she continued to draw clear, maintaining her momentum all the way to the line to seal a convincing maiden success.
Behind the winner, Ershaadaat continued to make ground while Mahib Du Lys (Al Mamun Monlau) produced a strong late run from towards the rear. The pair fought out a thrilling battle for second, with Ershaadaat narrowly prevailing by a short head. The runner-up, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, is trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and was ridden by Szczepan Mazur. Jefferson Smith partnered third-placed Mahib Du Lys for trainer Abdulrahman Abdulwahed and owner Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Dehaimi.
Jadwat Al Shahania strikes late for winning debut
Jadwat Al Shahania (Al Mamun Monlau x Mkeefa) made an impressive winning debut in the opening race, the Class 6 Purebred Arabian Maiden for three-year-olds over 1400m. The Al Shahania Stud-owned colt showed determination and a fine turn of foot to overhaul Af Mezan (AF Al Buraq) in the final 50m and score by ¾ length. Trained by Rudy Nerbonne and ridden by Lukas Delozier, he emerged victorious from a field of eight runners.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
Assufurrat (Al Mountasser) briefly led after the start, with Af Mezan and Jadwat Al Shahania close behind, before both were restrained by their jockeys. Fandy (General) then took command and dictated the pace through the first 800m. Nawfel D’hem (No Risk Al Maury) moved forward to take over, but Assufurrat soon regained the lead, with Af Mezan improving from midfield into third. Jadwat Al Shahania remained in fifth, within striking distance of the leaders. As the field straightened for home, Af Mezan swept to the front, with Jadwat Al Shahania moving into pursuit. The pair soon emerged as the principal contenders, but Af Mezan continued to hold the advantage as his rival steadily gathered momentum. Jadwat Al Shahania finally drew alongside in the closing stages before getting his head in front inside the final 50m to seal a promising first success.
Af Mezan held second for owner Abdulrahman Mohammed Al-Attiyah, trainer Gassim Al Ghazali and jockey Marco Casamento. Mayyadah Al Shahania (Assy), another debutant, who had raced in fourth or fifth for much of the contest, finished strongly to take third, another ½ length behind. Ridden by Alberto Sanna, she completed a successful opening race for Al Shahania Stud and trainer Rudy Nerbonne, who supplied two of the first three finishers.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
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.
