Reverberate reigns in Thoroughbred Guineas as Dumonet snatches Barzan Cup in thrilling finish
Mdmar – Doha – Mohamed Saad
Photos by Juhim
QREC Chairman Mr Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah presented the trophies for the final three races at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Thursday, 29 October 2026, crowning the winners of the QA Gr3 Barzan Cup, the QA Gr3 Thoroughbred Guineas and the Local Thoroughbred Guineas. The presentations brought the curtain down on a thrilling nine-race programme staged on turf at QREC’s sixth meeting of the 2026/27 season. Dumonet provided a spectacular finale, snatching the Barzan Cup in a breathtaking three-way finish, while Reverberate had earlier battled to a memorable Guineas triumph.
The afternoon began with Cuban Heels making a successful Qatar debut in the Thoroughbred Maiden, followed by Itemad Al Shahania, who made an immediate impression on her first racecourse appearance in the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden. Forceful Speed then edged a fierce battle to secure his eighth career victory and qualification for the HH The Amir Shalfa race in February. Ghara returned to action in style, landing the Sheraouh Island Cup with a determined late challenge before Khaddah displayed an impressive turn of foot to claim the Purebred Arabian Guineas. Dinar delivered one of the day’s most astonishing performances, storming from the rear to win the Local Thoroughbred Guineas on his racecourse debut. Thunder Flow subsequently denied veteran sprinting champion Taxiwala in a photo finish, completing a treble on the card for both trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Pierre Charles Boudot. The pair extended their remarkable afternoon with Reverberate’s hard-fought QA Gr3 Thoroughbred Guineas victory before Dumonet produced a blistering final 100m to seize the QA Gr3 Barzan Cup by a neck, with just a head separating the next two finishers.
Dumonet strikes late to snatch dramatic victory
Dumonet (Soldier Hollow x Empty Pages) chose the perfect stage to register his first victory in Qatar, producing a devastating late burst to capture the QA Gr3 Barzan Cup in Race 9, the 1600m Thoroughbred contest for 4yos+ featuring 9 runners. The 4yo bay gelding, owned by Nasser Essa Al-Kuwari, trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki and ridden by Patrick Cosgrave, took his career tally to 5 wins with a thrilling success by a neck.
Despite his wide draw in stall 9, Dumonet was quickly into contention, racing prominently in second and third before being restrained to settle further back. Evergreen (Night Of Thunder) established himself at the head of the field, with Chancellor (Kingman) and Thor’s Hammer (Night Of Thunder) exchanging positions immediately behind him. The leading order remained largely unchanged through the middle stages although Dumonet gradually worked his way closer. Approaching the home turn, he had advanced into fourth, with Cosgrave still keeping something in reserve for the decisive stages. In the home straight, Evergreen and Thor’s Hammer emerged as the principal contenders, battling fiercely for supremacy while Dumonet continued to close. With just 100m remaining, Cosgrave unleashed his challenge and Dumonet responded with a blistering change of pace, rapidly bearing down on the leading pair. What followed was a breathtaking three-way battle, with all three refusing to yield as they charged towards the winning post. Dumonet found the crucial extra effort in the final strides, thrusting himself ahead to prevail by a neck over Thor’s Hammer, with Evergreen just a head further behind. It was a spectacular blanket finish, providing a fittingly dramatic conclusion to a memorable day’s racing.
Thor’s Hammer finished second for Al Rufaa Racing, trainer Gassim Al Ghazali and jockey Alberto Sanna, while Evergreen secured third for Rashid Awajan Al-Khayarin, trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Lukas Delozier.
Reverberate digs deep to prevail in gripping finish
Reverberate (Night Of Thunder x Golden Crown) rose to the big occasion in Race 8, the QA Gr3 Thoroughbred Guineas, a 1600m contest for 3yos featuring 13 runners, battling his way to a memorable victory by a neck. The chestnut gelding, owned by Fahad Ali Al-Arumaihi, improved on his third-place finish on his seasonal reappearance to strike on his second outing of the campaign, completing a remarkable treble on the card for both trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Pierre Charles Boudot.
Drawn in stall 1, Reverberate was smartly away and took up a prominent position in third, tracking the pace-setting A Bit Of Spirit (Palace Pier) and August George (Night Of Thunder). The leading trio maintained their positions through the early and middle stages, with Reverberate travelling within striking distance as Boudot patiently awaited the right moment to launch his challenge. The battle intensified in the home straight, but the order remained unchanged until the final 200m when Boudot called on Reverberate for a decisive effort. The chestnut responded courageously, digging deep to overhaul A Bit Of Spirit and challenge for supremacy. August George was equally determined, matching his rival’s effort as the pair became embroiled in a fierce duel. Neither would give way and the outcome remained in doubt until the closing strides. Reverberate ultimately found just enough to get the better of the gallant August George, securing a hard-fought triumph and adding another highlight to an outstanding evening for his trainer and jockey.
August George took second for Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman Al-Thani, trainer Gassim Al Ghazali and jockey Alberto Sanna. British challenger Naval Light (Havana Grey), who had raced towards the rear on his Qatar debut, finished strongly to claim third, a further 1½ lengths behind, for Wathnan Racing, trainer Karl Burke and jockey Faleh Bughenaim.
Dinar produces stunning late charge to land Local Thoroughbred Guineas
Dinar (Atlantic Air x Jadeeda) announced his arrival on the racing scene in spectacular fashion, producing a breathtaking late surge to win Race 6, the Local Thoroughbred Guineas on his racecourse debut. The grey gelding, representing Wathnan Racing, completed a quick-fire double for the trainer Alban de Mieulle in Race 6, the 1600m Class 2 contest for 3yos, which attracted 12 runners. Ridden by Jefferson Smith, Dinar prevailed by ¾ length after a finish that seemed almost impossible just moments earlier.
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Drawn in stall 5, Dinar was held up towards the rear for much of the journey as Awayed Alseej (Time Test) dictated the pace. The leader was closely attended by Dinar’s stablemates Air Gun (Atlantic Air) and Atlantic War (Migwar), alongside Halitan (Al Wukair). Mutabahi (Footstepsinthesand) briefly challenged for third, but the leading positions otherwise remained largely unchanged. Turning into the home straight, Awayed Alseej and Halitan began to assert themselves, edging slightly clear of their pursuers. Inside the final 150m, the pair were locked in a fierce battle for supremacy, seemingly with the race between them. But Dinar had other ideas. Still with considerable ground to make up, the debutant suddenly unleashed an extraordinary burst of acceleration. While attention remained fixed on the battling leaders, the grey came flying through from the rear, devouring the ground with every stride. In a remarkable final flourish, he swept past his rivals to snatch a sensational victory.
Awayed Alseej held second for Alseej Stud, trainer Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya and jockey Marco Casamento. Halitan finished just a head further back in third for Umm Al Shukhut Farm, trainer Mohamed Khaled Elahmed and Lukas Delozier.
Khaddah claims Purebred Arabian Guineas with impressive turn of foot
Khaddah (Azadi x Hamiyat El Izz) produced an impressive change of gear in the closing stages to capture the Purebred Arabian Guineas in Race 5, a 1600m Class 2 contest for 4yos featuring 6 runners. The Wathnan Racing representative, trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by Soufiane Saadi, built on his runner-up finish in a Gr3 contest at Warsaw last month to record a convincing 2½-length victory.
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Starting from stall 5, Khaddah was quickly into his stride and settled comfortably in second, tracking the pace-setting Taftan (AF Al Buraq). La Quyood (Nieshan), Alzabyr (Alsaker) and Wahdan (Mister Ginoux) were among those following the leading pair, who maintained their positions throughout the early and middle stages. There was some movement among their pursuers, but Taftan and Khaddah continued to dictate proceedings as the field approached the home straight. The leading duo were soon hard at work, with Taftan initially appearing capable of keeping his persistent challenger at bay. Khaddah, however, had plenty left to offer. Inside the final 200m, Saadi asked him for his effort and the response was immediate. Displaying an impressive turn of foot, Khaddah surged past Taftan and quickly established a decisive advantage, powering clear to secure the Guineas title in commanding fashion.
Taftan, owned by Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Jehani, stayed on for second under Pierre Charles Boudot for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. Stablemate La Quyood, who had raced towards the rear for much of the contest, finished strongly to claim third, a further length behind, for owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and jockey Szczepan Mazur.
Eng. Osama Omer Al-Dafea presented the Purebred Arabian Guineas trophy following the race.
Ghara lands Sheraouh Island Cup with determined late surge
Ghara (Azadi x Jade Du Paon) made a triumphant seasonal return in Race 4, the Sheraouh Island Cup, a 2000m Purebred Arabian Conditions contest for 4yos+, a Class 2 event featuring 6 runners, scoring by a length. The 5yo mare, representing Al Wasmiyah Farm, was prepared by Hamad Al-Jehani and partnered by Pierre Charles Boudot. Runner-up in the Gr1 Qatar Gold Sword on her previous appearance in April, Ghara demonstrated her stamina and determination with a well-timed winning effort.
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Leaving stall 3, Ghara settled into fourth under Boudot, travelling comfortably behind the pace-setting Mac’zoom Al Shahania (Mared Al Sahra), Samsa Al Shahania (Assy) and Hadi De Carrere (Nieshan). Jenkille Hipolyte (Al Mamun Monlau) and RB Hot Mess (Rathowan) followed behind as the field raced in a long line. The order remained unchanged through the early and middle stages, with Mac’zoom Al Shahania dictating the pace and Ghara patiently tracking the leading trio. Turning for home, the tempo increased and Ghara began to make her presence felt, responding readily to Boudot’s urgings to advance into second, with Samsa Al Shahania also improving behind her. Mac’zoom Al Shahania continued to battle gamely in front, but Ghara was gathering momentum with every stride. Passing the 300m mark, she produced a decisive burst of speed to overhaul the long-time leader and, showing admirable determination, maintained her advantage all the way to the line.
Mac’zoom Al Shahania, carrying the colours of Al Shahania Stud, finished second under Lukas Delozier for trainer Rudy Nerbonne. Stablemate Samsa Al Shahania completed the placings, a further 1½ lengths behind, with Alberto Sanna aboard, securing a second-and-third finish for Al Shahania Stud and Nerbonne.
QREC Racing Manager Mr Abdulla bin Rashid Al-Kubaisi presented the Sheraouh Island Cup following the race.
Thunder Flow denies Taxiwala in thrilling photo finish
Thunder Flow (Night Of Thunder x Gravity Flow) bounced back from his fourth-place finish in last week’s Sealine Cup to snatch a dramatic victory in Race 7, the 1200m Thoroughbred Open Race for 3yos+, a Class 2 contest featuring 8 runners. The 5yo chestnut gelding, owned by Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Jehani, edged out veteran sprinting champion Taxiwala by a head, completing a double for both trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Pierre Charles Boudot.
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Quickly away from stall 3, Thunder Flow was restrained by Boudot and settled in midfield, tracking the leaders as Taxiwala (Holy Roman Emperor), Weissmuller (Bungleinthejungle) and Prodigious Blue (Bated Breath), who took the lead for most of the trip, helped ensure a strong early gallop. Jorge Alvares (Cotai Glory) also moved forward to occupy third, with the field maintaining a largely unchanged order through the middle stages. The complexion of the race began to change in the home straight. Taxiwala, the seasoned 9yo sprinter, advanced into third before sweeping past Weissmuller and Prodigious Blue to take command. With 200m remaining, another victory appeared within his grasp as he continued to travel strongly at the head of the field. Thunder Flow, however, was gathering momentum. Having begun his challenge earlier in the straight, he accelerated sharply in pursuit of the leader, closing relentlessly as the winning post approached. Taxiwala refused to surrender and the pair fought out a gripping finish, with Thunder Flow getting up in the final strides. The photo finish confirmed his narrow triumph.
Taxiwala finished a gallant second for owner-trainer Osama Omer Al-Dafea and jockey Alberto Sanna. Ballymount Boy (Camacho), who had raced at the rear through the early and middle stages, finished powerfully to take third, another ½ length behind, for Wathnan Racing, trainer Alban de Mieulle and jockey Soufiane Saadi.
Forceful Speed battles to narrow victory and Shalfa qualification
Forceful Speed (New Bay x Praden) produced a determined late challenge to land Race 3, the 2000m Thoroughbred Handicap (75-95) for 4yos+, a Class 3 contest featuring 11 runners, prevailing by a neck to secure qualification for the HH The Amir Shalfa race, a key event of the HH The Amir Sword Festival in February 2027. The 6yo chestnut gelding, carrying the colours of Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, was saddled by Debbie Mountain, who completed a double on the day, and partnered by Faleh Bughenaim. Improving on his fifth-place finish on his seasonal reappearance a fortnight earlier, Forceful Speed recorded his eighth career victory.
Breaking well from stall 6, Forceful Speed settled into fourth, tracking the leaders as Studio City (Cotai Glory) and Aljalta (Toronado) briefly exchanged the early lead. Mdawi (Wootton Bassett) soon took command and dictated the pace through the early and middle stages, followed by Studio City and Forceful Speed, who improved into third. Foehn (Johnny Barnes), meanwhile, made steady progress from midfield to move into fourth passing the 1200m mark.
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Mdawi extended his advantage significantly on the run towards the home turn and entered the home straight with a commanding lead. Despite his pursuers gradually closing the gap, he continued to hold sway until the final 200m, when Forceful Speed launched a powerful challenge along the inside and Foehn swept forward on the outside. The pair overhauled the long-time leader and became locked in a thrilling duel through the final 100m, with Forceful Speed showing tremendous determination to edge ahead in the closing strides and snatch victory by a neck.
Foehn, representing Hamad Ramzan Al-Naimi, finished a close second under Alberto Sanna for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani. Mdawi, who had led for much of the contest, held third, just ½ length behind the runner-up, carrying the colours of Al Jeryan Stud for trainer M.H.K Al Attiyah and jockey Arnaud De Lepine.
Itemad Al Shahania makes impressive first-time breakthrough
Itemad Al Shahania (Methgal x Al Nefor) made an immediate impression on her first racecourse appearance, landing Race 2, the 1600m Local Purebred Arabian Maiden for 3yos, a Class 6 contest featuring 7 runners, by a convincing 2½ lengths. The chestnut filly, carrying the colours of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, was saddled by Rudy Nerbonne and partnered by Lukas Delozier, opening her winning account at the first attempt.
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Breaking from stall 2, Itemad Al Shahania initially settled into fourth as Assufurrat (Al Mountasser), Al Zoor (Mister Ginoux) and Baghia Al Shahania (Assy) exchanged the early lead. Delozier soon sent his mount forward and she took command shortly after the start, with Al Zoor and Baghia Al Shahania in pursuit. Once in front, Itemad Al Shahania never relinquished her advantage, dictating the pace as the field travelled steadily in two closely packed lines through the middle stages. Turning for home, Itemad Al Shahania continued to travel strongly and began to extend her advantage as Al Zoor briefly improved into second. Baghia Al Shahania then renewed her challenge, reclaiming second and attempting to close on the leader. However, Itemad Al Shahania had already established a commanding lead and continued to gallop powerfully through the final 200m, putting the result beyond doubt well before the line.
Baghia Al Shahania, representing Al Wakra Racing, finished second under Faleh Bughenaim for trainer Zuhair Mohsen. Mubhirah (Al Mamun Monlau), who had raced further back for much of the contest, produced a strong late effort to claim third, a further 3 lengths behind, carrying the colours of Injaaz Stud for trainer Ahmed Al Jehani and jockey Nicolas Baudet. The fillies stole the show, sweeping all three places ahead of their male rivals.
Cuban Heels strikes on Qatar debut
Cuban Heels (Havana Grey x Dancing Vega) made a winning Qatar debut in Race 1, the 1400m Thoroughbred Maiden for 2yos, a Class 6 contest featuring 7 runners, scoring by a length. The chestnut colt, carrying the colours of Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, was saddled by Debbie Mountain and partnered by Alberto Sanna. Making his fourth career appearance, Cuban Heels continued his steady progression, having finished fourth, third and second in his three previous starts in the UK, all over 1200m, before making the breakthrough over the longer trip.
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Breaking smartly from stall 5, Cuban Heels settled into fourth behind the pace-setting Madhkhur (Dubawi Legend), stablemate Dark N Hot (Dark Angel) and Alrashdeyah (Churchill), the only filly in the field. The leading quartet maintained their positions through the early and middle stages, with Cuban Heels travelling comfortably within striking distance. Turning for home, Cuban Heels responded readily to Sanna’s urgings, advancing into second and engaging Dark N Hot in a battle between the two runners sporting the same bright yellow silks. Passing the 300m mark, Cuban Heels began to assert his superiority over his stablemate, but the contest took another turn as Kraar (Footstepsinthesand) made rapid headway. Sweeping past Dark N Hot, Kraar closed strongly on the leader and emerged as a serious threat inside the final 100m. Cuban Heels, however, responded gamely, finding extra to repel the challenge and secure a determined victory.
Kraar, representing Abdulrahman Mohammed Al-Attiyah, finished second under Marco Casamento for trainer Gassim Al Ghazali. Dark N Hot held third, a further 3½ lengths behind, completing a first-and-third finish for the winning owner and trainer, with Mohammed Hassan Alabdulmalik in the saddle.
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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.
