“Thaye” Wins Al Thakira Cup as Al-Attiyah Crowns the Winners

Mdmar – Doha – Mohamed Saad

Photos by Juhaim

QREC Chairman Mr Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah presented the Al Thakira Cup as the ninth race meeting of the 2026/27 season concluded at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday, 11 November. The eight-race dirt programme produced a compelling mix of dominant front-running performances, dramatic finishes and impressive seasonal returns, culminating in a commanding victory for Thaye in the feature race. The 5yo mare, representing Nasser Owaida Salem Al Hajri, made every yard of the running to land the 1700m Local Thoroughbred Premium Maiden and bring the evening to a fitting close.

The meeting began with Harmonised making a remarkable improvement on her previous appearance to open her winning account with a 4¾-length pillar-to-post success. Billythekid Pompadour followed with a thrilling late victory in the Purebred Arabian Handicap, snatching the lead in the final strides to record his second career win. Al Gamamah then made a successful seasonal return, securing her 6th career victory with a well-judged performance over 1900m. The drama continued as Noble Patron produced a perfectly timed challenge along the running rail to deny Sir Palamedes by a head, adding a 4th victory to his record. Al Mutaghatris displayed tremendous determination to regain the lead in the closing stages of the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap, completing a double for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. September Leaves maintained her unbeaten record this season with a smooth late acceleration in the Thoroughbred Conditions contest for fillies and mares, leaving her nearest rival 2¼ lengths behind and the third a further 6 lengths adrift. Kadheem Al Shaqab then broke his maiden in emphatic fashion, powering clear by 4½ lengths in the Local Purebred Arabian Show Horses contest. Finally, Thaye stamped her authority on the Al Thakira Cup with a dominant front-running display, drawing clear by 4 lengths to complete an impressive evening of racing.

Thaye makes every yard count in emphatic maiden victory

Thaye (New Bay x Henties Bay) brought the evening’s racing to a spectacular conclusion with a commanding pillar-to-post victory in the Al Thakira Cup, the feature and final race of the meeting. The 5yo dark bay mare dominated the 1700m Local Thoroughbred Premium Maiden, a Class 6 contest featuring 7 runners, making every yard of the running before powering clear to score by 4 lengths. Owned by Nasser Owaida Salem Al Hajri, trained by Owaida Salem Al Hajri and ridden by Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri, Thaye opened her winning account with a performance that left her rivals firmly in her wake.

The mare wasted no time asserting her authority, breaking sharply and immediately establishing herself at the head of the field. Air Force (Atlantic Air) and Lazim (Erdogan) emerged as her nearest pursuers, exchanging positions behind her through the early and middle stages. Neither, however, could seriously challenge her control of the race, as she maintained a strong, consistent gallop in front. Approaching the home turn, Thaye continued to travel with purpose while Air Force and Lazim remained in pursuit. The leading trio entered the straight in much the same order, but any prospect of a closely fought finish quickly disappeared. Thaye found another gear as soon as she straightened for home, stretching her advantage with an impressive burst of acceleration. The gap widened rapidly and the chasing pair soon began to weaken, unable to match the relentless pace set by the leader. Ghara Alseej (Footstepsinthesand) and Qahir (Footstepsinthesand) subsequently emerged from behind to take up the chase, but the contest had already been settled. Thaye continued to gallop strongly towards the line, completing an authoritative 4-length success without ever looking in danger.

Ghara Alseej secured second for Lekhreib Stud, trainer Abdulla Dhabit Aldosari and jockey Salman Fahad Al-Hajri. Qahir finished third, another ¾ length behind, with Szczepan Mazur riding for Al Jeryan Stud and trainer M.H.K Al Attiyah.

Kadheem Al Shaqab powers clear for emphatic maiden victory

Kadheem Al Shaqab (Sinan Al Rayyan x Laian Al Shaqab) made an emphatic breakthrough in Race 7, the 1000m Maiden for Local Purebred Arabian Show Horses aged 4yos+, a contest featuring 6 runners. The 4yo grey colt, representing Al Rakaben Stud, stormed to a commanding 4½-length victory under Mohammed Moussa for trainer Dr Fahad Salman Al-Hajri. Having finished runner-up on his seasonal debut just 2 weeks earlier, Kadheem Al Shaqab went one better on his return, opening his winning account on his 7th career start.

The race began at a strong tempo, with Qarun Aljassimya (Qutuz Aljassimya) immediately taking command. Kadheem Al Shaqab initially tracked the leader, but Moussa soon eased him back, allowing Qays Aljassimya (Qutuz Aljassimya) to emerge as the closest challenger to the pacesetter. Qarun Aljassimya continued to dictate proceedings through the early stages, with Qays Aljassimya maintaining the pressure. Kadheem Al Shaqab, meanwhile, was being given time to settle before launching his challenge. That patience paid off spectacularly. Around halfway, Kadheem Al Shaqab began to gather momentum, quickly advancing into third before producing a sharp burst of acceleration to sweep past his rivals around the home turn. By the time the runners straightened for home, he had established himself firmly in front. From there, the result was never seriously in doubt. Kadheem Al Shaqab continued to stretch his advantage with every stride and by the final 250m, he had effectively settled the contest. Maintaining his powerful gallop to the line, he completed a thoroughly convincing maiden success.

Qarun Aljassimya held second under Saleh Salem Al-Marri for owner Omar Mohammed Al-Kubaisi and trainer Mohammed Nasser Al-Naimi. Qays Aljassimya finished a distant third, a further 10½ lengths behind, with Prakash Akhade aboard for owner Yousef Alathab and trainer Abdulrahman Abdulwahed.

September Leaves strikes again to maintain unbeaten seasonal record

September Leaves (Night Of Thunder x Antique Platinum) continued her perfect start to the 2026/27 season with another impressive victory in Race 6, the 1700m Thoroughbred Conditions contest for fillies and mares aged 3yos+, a Class 2 event featuring 9 runners. The 5yo bay mare, carrying the colours of Al Eida Racing, produced a superb late acceleration to score by 2¼ lengths and make it 2 wins from as many starts this campaign. Trained by Gassim Al Ghazali and partnered by Marco Casamento, she maintained her unbeaten seasonal record with a performance that combined patience, tactical positioning and a decisive finishing burst.

“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News

The contest began at a lively tempo, with Himyan (Olympic Glory) initially taking command before Qahwa (Equiano) quickly moved forward to assume the lead. Warming (Too Darn Hot) also made her presence felt early, advancing from third into second while September Leaves settled into fourth, keeping the leading trio firmly in her sights. The running order changed again around the first bend as Warming continued her forward progress to take over from Qahwa. September Leaves also improved into third and the pace began to increase as the field settled into the middle stages. The leading trio maintained their positions approaching and entering the home straight, setting the scene for an intriguing battle. Inside the final 300m, Qahwa renewed her challenge and moved alongside Warming. The pair exchanged the lead as neither was prepared to concede, with their duel gathering intensity with every stride. Yet September Leaves was travelling ominously well just behind them. Passing the 200m mark, Casamento asked his mount to quicken and the response was immediate. With a smooth, sustained burst of acceleration, she swept forward to overhaul both rivals inside the final 100m before drawing clear for an authoritative victory.

Qahwa emerged from the earlier duel to secure second under Saleh Salem Al-Marri for owner-trainer Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki. Warming, representing Khalid bin Ghanem Al-Kuwari, finished a distant third, a further 6 lengths behind, with Soufiane Saadi aboard for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani.

Al Mutaghatris digs deep to complete Al-Jehani double

Al Mutaghatris (No Risk Al Maury x Ramdha) marked his seasonal reappearance with a determined victory in Race 5, the 1900m Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (70-90) for 4yos+, a Class 3 contest featuring just 4 runners. The 6yo chestnut gelding, making his first appearance since February, showed both resilience and an impressive turn of foot to score by 2 lengths for owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari. Ridden by Soufiane Saadi, he recorded the 5th victory of his career and completed a training double for Hamad Al-Jehani.

“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News

Despite the small field, the contest developed into an absorbing battle, with the lead changing hands in the closing stages. Mubkhar Al Shahania (Gazwan), the favourite, established himself in front shortly after the start and settled into a steady rhythm. Al Mutaghatris tracked him closely while Galeb Al Shahania (Burning Sand) and Al Fareq (Al Mamun Monlau) exchanged third and fourth positions behind the leading pair. The pace remained measured through the early and middle stages, but the pressure began to build around the home turn. Al Mutaghatris gradually closed the gap on Mubkhar Al Shahania, moving alongside the long-time leader as the runners prepared for the decisive stages. With 300m remaining, Saadi urged Al Mutaghatris forward and the gelding responded by taking the lead. Mubkhar Al Shahania was far from beaten, however. The favourite rallied strongly to regain the advantage, briefly appearing on course to reward his supporters with victory. Al Mutaghatris had saved his best for last. Inside the final 100m, he found another gear, swept back into the lead and accelerated clear with remarkable authority. His finishing burst transformed a closely fought duel into a convincing 2-length success in the space of just a few strides. 

Galeb Al Shahania also finished strongly, overhauling the weakening Mubkhar Al Shahania to secure second for Al Eida Racing, trainer Gassim Al Ghazali and jockey Marco Casamento. Mubkhar Al Shahania took third, a further 1¾ lengths behind, under Lukas Delozier for owner HE Sheikha Yasmeen bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani and trainer Rudy Nerbonne.

Noble Patron strikes on the line in thrilling finish

Noble Patron (Shamardal x Special Guest) produced a dramatic last-gasp victory in Race 4, the 1200m Thoroughbred Handicap (60-80) for 3yos+, a Class 4 contest featuring 13 runners. The 8yo bay gelding, owned by HE Meshaal bin Ali Al-Attiyah, went one better than his runner-up finish 3 weeks earlier, snatching victory by a head to register the 4th win of his career. Trained by Mohammed Balasim Al Jumaili and ridden by Salman Fahad Al-Hajri, Noble Patron timed his challenge to perfection in a finish that remained in doubt until the very last stride.

“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News

The early pace was set by Me Tarzan (Bungle Inthejungle), who established himself at the head of the field ahead of Midnight City (Acclamation), Torvar (Footstepsinthesand) and Sir Palamedes (Footstepsinthesand). Noble Patron had broken sharply from stall 5 and briefly taken the lead, but Al-Hajri soon restrained him into midfield, allowing the gelding to settle as the leading group maintained a largely unchanged order. The contest began to intensify approaching the home turn. Noble Patron was quietly making ground behind the leaders, gradually moving within striking distance without being asked for his full effort. Up front, Me Tarzan continued to dictate proceedings although the pressure from his pursuers was steadily increasing. Inside the final 300m, Sir Palamedes launched his challenge and swept into the lead. Me Tarzan attempted to respond, but could not sustain his effort while Midnight City moved into second and set off in pursuit of the new leader. For much of the closing stages, Sir Palamedes appeared to have done enough. Noble Patron, however, was still gathering momentum and Al-Hajri had kept something in reserve for one final challenge. Hugging the running rail inside the last 100m, the gelding accelerated sharply, eating into the leader’s advantage with every stride before getting his head in front right on the line.

Sir Palamedes was denied by the narrowest of margins, finishing second under Arnaud De Lepine for Time Form Syndicate and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. Midnight City, also trained by Al-Jehani, took third a further 2 lengths behind, with Lukas Delozier aboard for owner Mohammad Ibrahim Alfadala.

Al Gamamah makes winning return with assured display

Al Gamamah (Trade Storm x Balaton) made a successful seasonal reappearance with an assured performance in Race 3, the 1900m Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-55) for 3yos+, a Class 5 contest featuring 10 runners. The 8yo bay mare, owned and trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, secured the 6th victory of her career with a well-judged ride from Patrick Cosgrave, scoring by 1¾ lengths after taking command approaching the home straight.

“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News

The race unfolded at a steady, relatively modest pace, with Nooran (Noor Al Hawa) setting the tempo and Al Gamamah travelling comfortably in her slipstream. Having broken well from stall 5, Cosgrave’s mount settled into second, ahead of Muraykh (Vedevani) and Awaayid (Tribal Beat). The leading quartet maintained their positions throughout the early and middle stages, with little change in the running order as the field progressed towards the home turn. That changed when Cosgrave asked Al Gamamah to quicken. The response was immediate, and the mare swept past Nooran to seize the lead before the runners straightened for home. As the long-time pacesetter began to lose ground, Muraykh moved into second and emerged as the most immediate threat to the new leader. Al Gamamah, however, was travelling too strongly to be seriously troubled. Passing the 300m mark, she responded to Muraykh’s challenge by finding another gear, maintaining a clear advantage of around a length or more. Her sustained effort kept the pursuer at bay throughout the closing stages, and she crossed the line a comfortable winner.

The more significant late change came in the battle for second. Al Yateema (Dandy Man), who had spent much of the race towards the rear, produced a strong finish inside the final 200m to overhaul Muraykh and claim the runner-up spot. Ridden by Marco Casamento for owner Nasser Saif Al-Kubaisi and trainer Mohammed AlGhazali, she finished 2¼ lengths ahead of Muraykh, who took third under Arnaud De Lepine for owner Ghanim Ahmed Al-Jehani and trainer Ahmed Al Jehani.

Billythekid Pompadour snatches victory in dramatic finish

Billythekid Pompadour (Al Mamun Monlau x Berenice Royale) produced a perfectly timed late challenge to snatch victory in Race 2, the 1200m Purebred Arabian Handicap (50-70) for 3yos+, a Class 5 contest featuring 11 runners. The 5yo chestnut horse, owned by Sharq Stud, prevailed by ½ length under Alberto Sanna for trainer Mohd Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, returning to winning ways after 3 consecutive third-place finishes this season. Having opened his account in May 2025, he had gone through the following season without a victory despite several placed efforts, but this determined success took his career tally to 2 wins.

“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News

The early running belonged to Fateh HCM (Nizam), who set the pace ahead of Shafik (Mister Ginoux) and Mughayrh Alfalah (AF AlBahar). Billythekid Pompadour, meanwhile, broke well from stall 4 before Sanna restrained him into fourth, keeping him within striking distance of the leaders for much of the contest. The first serious challenge came approaching the home turn where King Albahar (AF AlBahar) began closing rapidly on Fateh HCM. The pair were soon locked in battle, with King Albahar gaining the upper hand inside the final 300m. At that stage, the race appeared likely to be decided between the two front-runners. The final 200m, however, brought a complete transformation. Several runners launched powerful late challenges, rapidly closing the gaps and spreading almost across the track as they charged towards the finish. With barely 100m remaining, the outcome was suddenly wide open. Billythekid Pompadour, having tracked the pace throughout, found his way through the crowded field and surged forward with a decisive burst of speed. He caught King Albahar in the final strides to complete a thrilling victory, leaving the long-time challenger to fight desperately for second. 

King Albahar held on by the narrowest of margins, a short head, under Salman Fahad Al-Hajri for Al Rakaben Stud and trainer Dr. Fahad Salman Al-Hajri. Texas Pride CS (TM Fred Texas), finishing strongly for Al Meqdam Racing, trainer Maayouf bin Hashim Al-Shamari and jockey Mohammed Hassan Alabdulmalik, took third after a fiercely contested finish.

Harmonised makes all in emphatic maiden breakthrough

Harmonised (Night Of Thunder x Band Practice) got the meeting off to a flying start with a commanding pillar-to-post victory in the opening race, the 1200m Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60) for 3yos+, a Class 6 contest featuring 10 runners. The 3yo chestnut filly, representing Al Ghaf Stud, swept aside more experienced rivals, including previous winners, to open her winning account by an impressive 4¾ lengths. Trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and ridden by Nicolas Baudet, she made a remarkable transformation from her Qatar debut just a fortnight earlier when she had finished ninth of 13 over the same course and distance. This was only her second appearance in Qatar and 5th career start.

“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News

Harmonised made perfect use of her inside draw in stall 2, breaking smartly and quickly establishing herself at the head of the field. Setting a strong pace, she dictated proceedings from the outset, with Espirito (Charm Spirit), Delirious Dream (Oasis Dream) and Seeking Gold (Havana Gold) forming the chasing group. The trio exchanged positions through the early and middle stages, but none could seriously threaten the leader. Any hopes of catching Harmonised faded rapidly as the field entered the home straight. Rather than coming back to her pursuers, the Al Ghaf Stud filly found another gear and began stretching clear. Her advantage grew increasingly commanding inside the final 300m, and by the 200m mark, she had effectively put the contest beyond doubt. With the winner well clear, attention turned to a fiercely contested battle for the minor honours. Several runners were closely matched through the closing stages, but Cloak And Dagger (Lope De Vega) and Gannas (Harry Angel), both of whom had raced in midfield, finished with greater purpose to overhaul the earlier chasers.

Cloak And Dagger secured second for Al Ghazali Stud, trainer Nasser Al Ghazali and jockey Salem Alajmi, while Gannas took third, a further 1½ lengths behind, carrying the colours of Ghazwan Racing under Mohammed Moussa for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani.

“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.