Studio City crowns the card with commanding Lisha Cup success
Mdmar – Doha – Mohamed Saad
Photo Juhaim
The Lisha Cup Day took centre stage on Thursday, 8 January, at Al Uqda Racecourse, with a nine-race dirt programme that unfolded with rhythm, contrast and rising intensity before culminating in a polished feature. My George set the tone with a hard-fought maiden breakthrough, Dance Acclaim followed by returning to winning ways and Taimoor ensured the early narrative remained one of tight, competitive finishes. Noble Patron then stamped authority in emphatic fashion before Temple Of Hera delivered the closest finish of the afternoon in a gripping three-way duel. Samsa Al Shahania restored clarity with a decisive staying performance, Al-Yaseen Zakhir confirmed his sprinting promise and Weissmuller brought the drama back with a pulsating head-bobber, all combining to build momentum towards a fitting finale as Studio City swept clear to land the Lisha Cup in commanding style.
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Rashid Saed Adiba, Head of QREC Racing Operations Section, handed the trophies of the Lisha Cup to the winners of the day’s feature contest.
Studio City sweeps clear to claim Lisha Cup
Studio City (Cotai Glory x Aqlette) delivered a polished and authoritative display to land Race 9, the Lisha Cup, a Thoroughbred Handicap (70–90) for 4YO+ over 2000m, a Class 3 contest with 12 runners. Drawn in barrier two, the six-year-old chestnut produced a decisive late surge to score by 3¼ lengths, sealing his second win from three starts this campaign to go with a runner-up finish. Carrying the colours of Faleh Suwayed Al Ajami, he was prepared by Mohammed Al Ghazali, saddling his third winner of the evening, and was confidently partnered by Lukas Delozier, who completed a double on the card.
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Racing prominently throughout, Studio City settled into third as See All Match (Acclamation) set the tempo, with Tamborrada (Dubawi) positioned between the leader and Studio City while Winston’s Tipple (Churchill) tracked just behind. The order at the head of affairs remained largely unchanged through the early and middle stages, with the pace even and the field well strung out. Approaching the home turn, Studio City edged closer into second and, once straightened, quickly asserted. Lengthening decisively, he swept past the leaders and powered clear, putting the race to bed with a sustained surge that none of his rivals could match. Behind the winner, the contest for the placings was fiercely competitive. Loose Cannon (Territories), ran behind the leaders most of the race and stayed on strongly to secure second for Sheikh Mohammed Salman Al-Thani, trainer Gassim Al Ghazali and jockey Alberto Sanna, while See All Match, representing owner-trainer Abdulaziz Ali Al-Kathiri and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, fought on resolutely to take third. Only a nose separated second and third, with a further neck back to Siegen (Blue Point) in fourth and Winston’s Tipple close behind in fifth, underlining the depth of the finish behind a dominant Lisha Cup winner.
My George digs deep to break maiden
My George (Far Above x Last Surprise) got off the mark in Race 1, a Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for 3YOs over 1300m, Class 6, with 12 runners, edging home by a nose on his third career start after finishing runner-up on his first two outings. Drawn perfectly in barrier one, the bay gelding delivered a gritty performance for owner Abdulrahman Fahad Al-Attiyah, was sent out by Mohammed Al Ghazali, and was ridden with confidence by Soufiane Saadi.
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Away smartly, My George tracked the early pace as Cluain Peata (Sergei Prokofiev) showed the way. Zabeel Flower (Ardad) briefly moved into second before Saniyaat’s Star (Ardad) took over that role, with My George settling into fourth through the middle stages. Approaching the home turn, Dark Shore (Dark Angel) improved into third, edging ahead of My George as the field began to bunch. Turning for home, Saniyaat’s Star still held the advantage, but the complexion of the race changed rapidly. My George was produced with intent, pressing sharply to strike the front and momentarily looking to have the race under control. However, Brotherhood Of Man (Siyouni), who had been anchored in ninth early in the straight, unleashed a dazzling late run, weaving through runners and closing with every stride to throw down a last-gasp challenge. In the final strides, My George found just enough to hold on and deny his fast-finishing stablemate, sealing a narrow but well-earned success. Brotherhood Of Man filled second for Nasser Saif Al-Kubaisi, also trained by Mohammed Al Ghazali to complete a notable one-two, with Louis Nomis in the saddle while Dark Shore stayed on for third for Sheikh Abdul Rahman Rashid Al-Thani, under the care of Gassim Al Ghazali and ridden by Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, a clear 3½ lengths behind the leading pair.
Dance Acclaim returns to the winner’s enclosure
Dance Acclaim (Acclamation x Dutch Dream) struck back in Race 2, a Thoroughbred Handicap (0–60) for 3YO+ over 1200m, a Class 6 contest with 14 runners, returning to winning ways for the first time since the 2022/2023 season. The six-year-old bay gelding prevailed by three-quarters of a length, carrying the colours of Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Otaibi, being sent out by Mohammed Al Ghazali, who completed a quick-fire double to give the meeting a flying start, and was ridden with good judgement by Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi.
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Breaking well, Dance Acclaim quickly positioned himself just behind the early speed as the lead changed hands frequently. Breakout Star (Oasis Dream) showed the way up to the first bend, after which Seeking Gold (Havana Gold) and Little Lips (Raven’s Pass) took turns at the head of affairs through the middle stages, keeping the tempo honest. On turning for home, Dance Acclaim was brought into the clear and produced at the right moment, moving up decisively to take control. Acclaim To Royalty (Acclamation) and Fine Art Dealer (Blue Point) both launched their challenges from midfield, closing strongly inside the final furlong, but Dance Acclaim found enough when it mattered, sticking on gamely to hold them at bay to the line. Acclaim To Royalty finished second for Fahad Salem Al-Hajri, trainer Mohammed Hassan Al Matwi and jockey Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik while Fine Art Dealer, representing Ahmed Hassan Al Malki Al Jehani and prepared by Hamad Al-Jehani, stayed on under Pierre Charles Boudot to take third, only half a length further back, as the winner sealed a well-earned success in a tightly contested sprint.
Taimoor lands dramatic sprint duel
Taimoor (Nizam x Muhjah) delivered another tight finish in Race 3, a Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (0–65) for 4YO+ over 1200m, a Class 6 contest with nine runners, edging home by a neck in a photo-close conclusion, another tight finish as was the case in the day’s opener. The six-year-old grey gelding put his most recent run behind him to return to winning ways, registering his second success from seven starts this season for owner Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Otaibi, trainer Mohammed Hassan Al Matwi and jockey Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi, who completed a quick-fire double.
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Settled towards the rear immediately after the break, Taimoor was content to bide his time as Karar Al Farres (Harran ASF) set the early tempo, followed by Marnan (Majd Al Arab) and Thahan (AF AlBahar). Approaching the home turn, the field began to compress, with Taimoor improving into fourth as Thahan accelerated around the bend to take over from Karar Al Farres. Entering the home straight, Taimoor was produced to challenge, quickly latching onto Thahan and momentarily looking as though he might put the race to bed. However, Ta’hoos Al Shahania (Harran ASF), who had been held up for much of the journey, unleashed a powerful surge from midfield to join the leading pair, setting up a dramatic three-way battle. The final 100m developed into a gripping duel, with Taimoor and Ta’hoos Al Shahania pulling clear of the rest and appearing to hit the line almost together. In the end, Taimoor thrust his head in front at the decisive moment to deny the fast-finishing Ta’hoos Al Shahania by a neck. Ta’hoos Al Shahania finished second for H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, trainer Rudy Nerbonne and jockey Lukas Delozier while Thahan (AF AlBahar), representing Al Ezz Stud and trainer Saeed Al Shafi, stayed on under Alberto Sanna to take third, a further 3 lengths back, after having played a prominent role turning for home.
Noble Patron surges clear with authority
Noble Patron (Shamardal x Special Guest) delivered a decisive performance in Race 4, a Thoroughbred Handicap (55–75) for 3YO+ over 1300m, Class 5, Division 1, continuing his solid recent form to score convincingly by 3½ lengths after finishing third on his previous two starts. The eight-year-old bay gelding carried the colours of H.E. Meshaal bin Ali Al-Attiyah, was prepared by Mohammed Balasim Al Jumaili and was ridden with assurance by Szczepan Mazur.
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Breaking well, Noble Patron settled smoothly in fifth through the early stages of the 14-runner field as Glengarra (Profitable) showed initial speed before Sands Of Marra (Sands Of Mali) moved up to take over and establish himself as the long-time leader. The tempo remained steady through the middle stages, with Noble Patron travelling comfortably off the pace and always poised to improve. Turning for home, Noble Patron was produced with purpose, closing sharply along with Morello Man (Footstepsinthesand), who also advanced from midfield. Noble Patron sustained his run strongly, overhauling the leader and quickly asserting to put the race beyond doubt, never looking in danger inside the final 100m. Morello Man continued on to claim second for Rashid Awajan Al-Khayarin, under the care of Hamad Al-Jehani and with Pierre Charles Boudot in the saddle while Sands Of Marra, having done the early work for Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani and trainer Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, was run down late and settled for third under Tomas Lukasek, as Noble Patron signed off with a commanding display.
Temple Of Hera edges thriller in blanket finish
Temple Of Hera (Magna Grecia x Cristale) landed Race 5, a Thoroughbred Handicap (55–75) for 3YO+ over 1300m, Division 2 of Class 5, with 14 runners, continuing the day’s pattern of a tight finish following a clear-cut one. This time it was the closest of all, with only a neck and a head separating the first three home, as the five-year-old bay gelding prevailed by a neck to maintain his outstanding form this season, completing a sequence of three wins and a runner-up finish from four starts. He carries the colours of Abdulrahman Batal Al-Otibi, was prepared by Nayef Batal Al-Otibi, and was partnered by Salman Fahad Al-Hajri.
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Breaking sharply from his inside draw, Temple Of Hera was quickly into stride, taking up the lead from Torvar (Footstepsinthesand) shortly after the start and dictating the pace thereafter. Torvar remained in close attendance through the early stages, with Jungle The Bank (Bungle Inthejungle) next in line while Campaign Medal (No Nay Never) briefly moved into contention before the field began to compress approaching the home turn. As they rounded the bend, Politico (Blue Point) was produced from midfield to improve into third, setting up a compelling three-way contest on straightening. Temple Of Hera was immediately asked to dig deep and, despite having done the early work, responded gamely under pressure. Politico continued to close with purpose, while Torvar refused to yield on the inside, the trio drawing clear of the rest as they fought out a pulsating finish. In the final strides, Temple Of Hera found just enough to hold on, with Politico pressing on to claim second for Fahad Rashid Al-Hajri, who both owns and trains the colt, and jockey Szczepan Mazur. Torvar, representing Mohammed Nawaf Al-Rayes and trainer Mohammed Al Ghazali, stayed on bravely under Soufiane Saadi to finish third, only a head behind the runner-up, as the first three home all emerged with full credit from a race that was decided by the narrowest of margins.
Samsa Al Shahania stamps class on Qatar debut
Samsa Al Shahania (Assy x Salma Al Khalediah) made a successful Qatar debut in Race 6, a Purebred Arabian Novice Plate for 5YO+ over 2000m, a Class 5 contest with five runners, delivering a clear-cut success by 2¼ lengths. The lightly raced six-year-old bay horse, who had previously shown promise at Group level in France, doubled his career tally for Al Shahania Stud, under the guidance of trainer Rudy Nerbonne and with Lukas Delozier executing a measured ride.
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Settling into fourth in the early stages, Samsa Al Shahania raced ahead of Yaqoob (Al Mourtajez) as Awamir (No Risk Al Maury) set a steady tempo from the front, followed by Jeb’ran Al Shahania (Amer) and Safeer Al Shahania (Munjiz). After the first 200m, the order behind the leader reshuffled, with Yaqoob moving up, then Jeb’ran Al Shahania, Samsa Al Shahania and Safeer Al Shahania, the field remaining compact and unchanged through the middle stages. Approaching the home turn, Awamir lifted the pace, prompting Jeb’ran Al Shahania to move closer into second and then take over shortly after entering the straight. However, Samsa Al Shahania was immediately produced with purpose and, showing a sharp turn of foot, quickly latched onto the new leader before sweeping past within a couple of strides. Once in front, Samsa Al Shahania asserted decisively, pulling clear to put the race beyond doubt. Jeb’ran Al Shahania stayed on to secure second for H.E. Sheikha Iman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, also trained by Rudy Nerbonne to complete a one-two for the stable, while Awamir, having done the early work, battled on bravely to take third for Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trainer Zuhair Mohsen under Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri, paying for his early exertions over the staying trip.
Al-Yaseen Zakhir confirms sprinting promise
Al-Yaseen Zakhir (Al Mamun Monlau x Kareemah) continued his upward trajectory in Race 7, a Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (75–95) for 5YO+ over 1200m, a Class 3 contest contested by just three runners, recording a second consecutive victory over the same distance this season. The five-year-old grey horse scored by 1½ lengths, carrying the colours of Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohamed bin Faleh Al-Thani, produced by Gassim Al Ghazali and partnered with confidence by Alberto Sanna, further underlining his credentials as a progressive sprinter.
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Racing tactics played a key role in the small field. Galeb Al Shahania (Burning Sand) made the running through the early stages, with Khaled Al Shahania (Assy) tracking between the leader and Al-Yaseen Zakhir, who was content to settle in behind for most of the journey. Khaled Al Shahania briefly moved up to take over, but the original order was soon restored, the trio remaining tightly grouped as they approached the home straight. Once angled out and given his cue, Al-Yaseen Zakhir produced a sharp and decisive turn of foot, surging past his rivals to take control and quickly opening up a clear advantage. Behind him, Khaled Al Shahania and Galeb Al Shahania were left to dispute the minor honours. Khaled Al Shahania finished second for Al Meqdam Racing, trainer Maayouf Bin Hashim Al-Shamari and jockey Salman Fahad Al-Hajri, while Galeb Al Shahania, representing Al Eida Racing and also trained by the winning trainer, stayed on under Soufiane Saadi to take third, only a head behind the runner-up, as the winner once again demonstrated his speed and authority over the sprint trip.
Weissmuller digs deep in pulsating sprint finish
Weissmuller (Bungleinthejungle x Blushing Gal) returned to winning form in Race 8, a Thoroughbred Handicap (85–105) for 4YO+ over 1100m, a Class 2 contest with six runners, marking a return to tight finishes on the card. The four-year-old bay gelding built on his latest third-place effort to score by a head, registering his second win from five starts this season for owner Yousef Ali AlRumaihi, trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Pierre Charles Boudot.
Racing in a handy position just off the pace, Weissmuller tracked the early speed as Sardem (Siyouni) set a genuine tempo in front. Gradually improving through the middle stages, Weissmuller moved up approaching halfway and accelerated again to take over around the home turn, with Townsend Manor (Advertise) also making a notable move into contention from behind. Straightening for home, Weissmuller kicked on strongly and briefly looked poised to put the race away. However, the finish quickly developed into a gripping test as Sardem refused to yield and Townsend Manor launched a sustained late surge, rapidly closing the gap and throwing down a serious challenge right to the line. In the final strides, Weissmuller found just enough to prevail, thrusting his head in front at the decisive moment. Townsend Manor finished second for Al Rufaa Racing, under the care of Gassim Al Ghazali and ridden by Soufiane Saadi while Sardem, representing Al Azraq Stable and trained by Bader Al Balushi, stayed on under Maikon De Souza to take third, a length back, as the winner showed courage and resolve to seal a hard-fought success.
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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.
