Sheikh Joaan crowns Qatar Racing with Qatar Sussex Stakes Trophy

In presence of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar Goodwood Festival continued for the second day, Wednesday, 1 August 2018, at Goodwood Racecourse, UK. The Qatari presence was strong on the second day with the Qatar Racing-owned Lightning Spear winning Qatar Sussex Stakes, a Group 1 contest for three-year-old and older Thoroughbreds over a mile. The £1,000,000 race has the highest purse in the Festival. The David Simcock-schooled Lightning Spear proved to be the best in the field and landed the spoils of coveted title under jockey Oisin Murphy.

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, presented the trophy to Qatar Racing’s representative. Lightning Spear’s connections and the Qatari delegation in general were very happy with this victory, especially as it came in a prestigious race and in a field that saw top horses, including Frankel colt Without Parole, winner of St. James’s Palace Stakes, who was unbeaten before this race. There were also Gustav Klimt, runner-up of St. James’s Palace Stakes behind Without Parole and Expert Eye, winner of Jersey Stakes.

Al Shaqab was also present in the last race in the card and recorded their second win in the Festival when Medahim won Goodwood Racehorse Owners Group Stakes, a seven-furlong handicap for three-year-old and older Thoroughbreds. Richard Hannon’s ward was ridden to victory by jockey Ryan Moore.