Umm Wishah lands Al Beshariyah Cup with electrifying late surge
Mdmar – Doha – Mohamed Saad
Photos by Juhim
Umm Wishah produced a sensational late surge to land the Al Beshariyah Cup, the feature event of the fifth meeting of the 2026/27 racing season at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday, 28 October. The eight-race card, staged on dirt, delivered a series of impressive performances, with several winners producing remarkable finishing efforts. In the feature race, the Abdulrahamn bin Fahad Al-Attiyah-owned filly looked to have plenty of ground to make up entering the final 200m, but unleashed an electrifying turn of foot under Arnaud De Lepine to sweep past the long-time leader Radad and score by 3¼ lengths for trainer Ahmed Al Jehani.
The evening began with Tabaa Zakhir opening his winning account at the fourth attempt, producing a devastating turn of foot to score by 7½ lengths in Race 1. Khamiss followed with a remarkable winning debut in Race 2, coming from near the rear to snatch victory inside the final 50m and complete a quickfire double for jockey Marco Casamento. Spycraft then bounced back to form in Race 3, powering clear by 6½ lengths to record his second career success, giving Alberto Sanna the first leg of a double. Ta’hoos Al Shahania made a successful seasonal return in Race 4, adding a third career victory and completing Sanna’s double before the 8yo Dabas demonstrated his enduring ability with a front-running success in Race 5. Aablan opened his winning account in Qatar in Race 6, producing a powerful late challenge to complete a double for trainer Gassim Al Ghazali. Haroon Al Laheef made a striking racecourse debut in Race 7, drawing clear of his rivals to register an emphatic 7½-length victory before Umm Wishah brought the meeting to a spectacular close with her Al Beshariyah Cup triumph, breaking her maiden at the third attempt.
Umm Wishah storms home for spectacular maiden success
Umm Wishah (Mister Ginoux x Saleema) produced an extraordinary late burst of speed to land Race 8, the Al Beshariyah Cup, a 1900m Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden for 4-6yos, scoring by an impressive 3¼ lengths. The 4yo chestnut filly, carrying the colours of Abdulrahamn bin Fahad Al-Attiyah, was saddled by Ahmed Al Jehani and partnered by Arnaud De Lepine. Runner-up a fortnight earlier, she went one better to open her winning account at the third attempt in spectacular fashion.
Breaking from stall 7, Umm Wishah raced towards the rear and in midfield for much of the contest while Fattan (Dahor De Brugere) and Masqool (Harran ASF) exchanged the lead through the early and middle stages. Approaching the home turn, Radad (Gazwan) made sharp progress from midfield to take command, with Texas Pride CS (TM Fred Texas) moving into second. Umm Wishah, meanwhile, was gradually improving her position, but remained some way off the leaders. Turning for home, Radad continued to gallop strongly and appeared firmly in control as the field entered the closing stages. With just 200m remaining, victory seemed within his grasp, but Umm Wishah had other ideas. Unleashing an electrifying turn of foot, the filly swept past her rivals in a remarkable late charge, overhauling Radad before powering clear to snatch a sensational victory. Her finishing speed proved irresistible, turning what had appeared a comfortable lead for Radad into an emphatic success for the fast-finishing filly.
Radad, representing Khalid Hamad Al-Atteya, had looked the likely winner after taking command around the home turn, but had no answer to Umm Wishah’s devastating late acceleration. He nevertheless secured second under Saleh Salem Al-Marri for trainer Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya. Durra (Al Mourtajez), who had also raced in midfield before finishing strongly, claimed third, a further 1½ lengths behind, carrying the colours of Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Szczepan Mazur.
Haroon Al Laheef cruises to runaway debut victory
Haroon Al Laheef (SDL Magic Night Stone x Maharaani) made a spectacular winning debut in Race 7, the 1000m Local Purebred Arabian Show Horses Maiden for 4yos+, featuring 4 runners, storming home by an emphatic 7½ lengths. The 4yo bay colt, carrying the colours of Hamed Mohamed Al-Qahtani, was prepared by Abdulla Dhabit Aldosari and partnered by Salman Fahad Al-Hajri, making an immediate impression on his first racecourse appearance.
From the outset, Haroon Al Laheef and Kadheem Al Shaqab (Sinan Al Rayyan) went straight to the front, racing virtually stride for stride as they established a substantial advantage over their two rivals. Mugheir Al Nasser (Shagran Al Nasser) and Waaly Al Khor (Sultan Al Zobara) followed at a considerable distance, with the leading pair maintaining their positions through the early stages. Little separated the two leaders as they approached the home turn, with neither appearing willing to concede an inch. Turning for home, however, the contest changed dramatically. Haroon Al Laheef responded strongly when Al-Hajri asked him to quicken, sweeping past his long-time rival and immediately beginning to draw clear. The further he travelled down the home straight, the greater his advantage became, transforming what had been a closely fought duel into a one-horse race. The debutant continued to gallop powerfully all the way to the line, leaving his rivals trailing in his wake to complete a hugely impressive first-time success.
Kadheem Al Shaqab, representing Al Rakaben Stud, finished a clear second under Mohammed Moussa for trainer Dr Fahad Salman Al-Hajri. Mugheir Al Nasser, also carrying the colours of Al Rakaben Stud, but trained by Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hajri, took third, another 7½ lengths behind, with Saleh Salem Al-Marri in the saddle.
Aablan unleashes powerful late surge for Doha breakthrough
Aablan (Dubawi x Promising Run) opened his winning account in Qatar with a decisive performance in Race 6, the 1700m Thoroughbred Handicap (80-100) for 4yos+, a Class 2 contest featuring 11 runners, scoring by 3 lengths. The 5yo bay gelding, carrying the colours of Al Eida Racing, was saddled by Gassim Al Ghazali, who completed a double on the evening, and partnered by Jefferson Smith. A newcomer to Doha, Aablan was making just his second local appearance, having previously recorded 3 victories from 10 starts abroad.
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Breaking from stall 9, Aablan was settled behind midfield through the early and middle stages as Sussex (Dubawi) set a strong pace, tracked by Nuvolari (Time Test) and Account (Acclamation). The leading trio maintained their positions for much of the contest while Aablan travelled comfortably further back, conserving his energy for the closing stages. Approaching the home turn, Account advanced to take command as Sussex began to weaken after his early exertions. Turning for home, Account and Nuvolari appeared set to fight out the finish, but Siegen (Blue Point), who had raced in midfield throughout, made rapid headway and swept into the lead inside the final 300m. The race then took another dramatic turn as Aablan produced a powerful challenge from behind, joining Siegen approaching the 200m mark. The pair briefly became locked in a fierce battle before Aablan found another gear inside the final 100m, surging clear to establish a commanding advantage in the final 50m and seal an impressive victory.
Siegen, representing Hamad Meret Al-Hajri, finished second under Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. Cei Connah (El Kabeir), carrying the colours of Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, secured third, just ½ length behind the runner-up, with Mohammed Hassan Alabdulmalik aboard for trainer Debbie Mountain.
Dabas makes all in impressive seasonal return
Dabas (AF AlBahar x Vega De Faust) made a winning seasonal reappearance in Race 5, the 1200m Purebred Arabian Handicap (0-75) for 3yos+, a Class 5 contest restricted to Qatari and apprentice jockeys and featuring 10 runners, scoring by 2 lengths. The 8yo bay horse, carrying the colours of Abdulrahman Batal Al-Otibi, was prepared by Nayef Batal Al-Otibi and partnered by Abdulla Saleh Al Yafei. The victory marked his second career success at the 15th attempt.
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Breaking sharply from stall 3, Dabas quickly took command from Fateh HCM (Nizam) shortly after the start and established a lead he would never relinquish. Mesaieed (Majd Al Arab), MJ Lattam Two (AF AlBahar), Billythekid Pompadour (Al Mamun Monlau) and Hidalgo Du Croate (Al Mamun Monlau) followed closely behind the leading pair, exchanging positions throughout the early and middle stages as they sought to mount a challenge. Turning for home, Dabas continued to dictate matters, showing that age had done little to diminish his enthusiasm or ability. The veteran responded generously when asked for more inside the final 200m, finding extra to maintain his advantage and put the race beyond doubt. Behind him, Billythekid Pompadour and Fateh HCM initially appeared set to fight out the minor honours, but the 9yo Hidalgo Du Croate produced a powerful late challenge to overhaul both and snatch second. Billythekid Pompadour secured third as Fateh HCM weakened in the closing stages to finish a far fourth.
Hidalgo Du Croate, representing Nasser Jabor Al-Naimi, took second under Saleh Salem Al-Marri for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani. Billythekid Pompadour, sporting the silks of Sharq Stud, finished third, a further 1½ lengths behind, with Mohammed Hassan Alabdulmalik aboard for trainer Mohd Ahmed Al-Sulaiti.
Ta’hoos Al Shahania strikes on seasonal return
Ta’hoos Al Shahania (Harran ASF x Najda) made a winning seasonal reappearance in Race 4, the 1700m Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (55-75) for 3yos+, a Class 5 contest featuring a full field of 14 runners, scoring by 1¼ lengths. The 5yo chestnut gelding, carrying the colours of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, was saddled by Rudy Nerbonne and partnered by Alberto Sanna, who completed a quickfire double. Having recorded 2 wins and 7 placed finishes from 10 starts across the previous two seasons, Ta’hoos Al Shahania began his third campaign by taking his career tally to 3 victories.
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Breaking from stall 6, Ta’hoos Al Shahania settled in midfield as AJS Haizum (AF AlBahar) took the early lead, followed by Al Qaws (Dahess), Dukhan Alseej (Gazwan) and Dhi Qar Zakhir (Jenjal). The order remained largely unchanged through the early and middle stages, with the eventual winner travelling comfortably behind the leading group. Approaching the home turn, Dukhan Alseej made headway into second, splitting the long-time leader and Dhi Qar Zakhir. Turning for home, Ta’hoos Al Shahania began to advance strongly, moving into fourth and rapidly closing on the leading trio. Passing the 300m mark, he swept to the front ahead of Dhi Qar Zakhir and AJS Haizum, who exchanged second place several times as they battled for the minor honours. With 100m remaining, Sanna asked his mount for another effort and the gelding responded generously, stretching clear to seal a convincing victory.
AJS Haizum, representing Hamad Ramzan Al-Naimi, secured second under Mohammed Moussa for trainer Hadi Al Ramzani. Dhi Qar Zakhir, carrying the colours of Ali Salem Al-Marri, finished third, just ½ length behind the runner-up, with Saleh Salem Al-Marri aboard for trainer Gassim Al Ghazali.
Spycraft powers clear for emphatic victory
Spycraft (Siyouni x Joie De Vivre) bounced back to form with a commanding performance in Race 3, the 1200m Thoroughbred Handicap (45-65) for 3yos+, a Class 6 contest with 13 runners going to post, powering home by an impressive 6½ lengths. The 4yo bay gelding, carrying the colours of Rashid Ali Al-Adgham, was prepared by Bader Al Balushi and ridden by Alberto Sanna. Putting a disappointing seasonal reappearance a fortnight earlier behind him, Spycraft recorded his second career victory, having won on debut in the UK almost two years ago and finished placed on his final two starts in Doha last season.
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Breaking sharply from stall 2, Spycraft immediately showed early speed before Sanna restrained him into second to track Harmonised (Night Of Thunder), who took command and set a strong gallop. Jungle The Bank (Bungle Inthejungle) settled into third as the field maintained a brisk pace throughout the early and middle stages. The leading trio held their positions approaching the home turn, with Spycraft travelling comfortably just behind the leader. Turning for home, Sanna asked Spycraft to quicken and the gelding responded instantly, sweeping past Harmonised to seize the lead inside the final 300m. Once in front, he continued to accelerate relentlessly, drawing further and further clear with every stride. Delirious Dream (Oasis Dream), who had raced in midfield for much of the contest, produced a powerful late run to challenge for the minor honours, but could make no impression on the runaway winner.
Delirious Dream secured second for owner Nasser Owaida Salem Al Hajri, trainer Owaida Salem Al Hajri and jockey Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri. Jungle The Bank, who had raced prominently throughout, held third, just ½ length behind the runner-up, representing Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, trainer Debbie Mountain and jockey Mohammed Hassan Alabdulmalik.
Khamiss produces stunning late surge to score on debut
Khamiss (Al Wukair x Barenia) made a remarkable winning debut in Race 2, the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Maiden for 3-6yos, a Class 6 contest featuring 9 runners, producing an extraordinary late surge to score by 1¼ lengths. The 5yo bay gelding, representing Al Ghazali Stud, was saddled by Mohammed Al Ghazali and partnered by Marco Casamento, who completed a quickfire double in the opening two races.
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Breaking from stall 4, Khamiss was restrained towards the rear, settling into second last and remaining there for much of the contest. Muothaa (Heshem) dictated the pace, closely tracked by Nice Heart (Capitan Jack) and Al Shamal Road (Churchill). The leading trio maintained their positions through the early and middle stages while Khamiss continued to bide his time at the back. Turning for home, Khamiss began making rapid headway, advancing into fourth but still with considerable ground to recover. Passing the 300m mark, Nice Heart swept past the long-time leader and quickly established what appeared a commanding advantage. With the finish approaching, she looked certain to prevail, but Khamiss had other ideas. Launching a relentless challenge inside the final 200m, he powered past Muothaa and continued to close the seemingly impossible gap. His sustained acceleration carried him past Nice Heart inside the final 50m and he surged clear to snatch a sensational victory.
Nice Heart, carrying the colours of Lekhreib Stud, finished second under Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri for trainer Abdulla Dhabit Aldosari. Muothaa, representing HE Meshaal bin Ali Al-Attiyah, took third, a distant 9 lengths behind the runner-up, with Alberto Sanna aboard for trainer Mohammed Balasim Al Jumaili.
Tabaa Zakhir storms clear for emphatic maiden victory
Tabaa Zakhir (La Hoor x Shararat Damis) produced an electrifying turn of foot to land Race 1, the 1700m Local Purebred Arabian Maiden for 4-6yos, a Class 6 contest featuring 8 runners, by an impressive 7½ lengths. Making his fourth career appearance and second start of the season, the 4yo bay colt went one better than his runner-up finish a fortnight earlier to open his winning account in emphatic style. Representing Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al-Thani & Sons, he was saddled by Gassim Al Ghazali and partnered by Marco Casamento.
Breaking from stall 3, Tabaa Zakhir settled comfortably in midfield as Jomouh Al Ghaf (Al Mamun Monlau) set the early pace ahead of Maloof (No Risk Al Maury) and Seroor Al Shahania (Aziz ASF). Passing the 1200m mark, Maloof took command, with Helow Al Wafaa (Mister Ginoux) advancing into second as the early leader dropped to the rear. Tabaa Zakhir then made steady headway, moving into third before improving to second. Jomouh Al Ghaf briefly surged back to the front approaching the 800m mark, but Maloof quickly regained the initiative. Turning for home, Maloof led from Tabaa Zakhir and Seroor Al Shahania, with a fierce battle seemingly in prospect. However, passing the 300m mark, Tabaa Zakhir unleashed a devastating burst of speed, sweeping past his rivals in a matter of strides. He rapidly put daylight between himself and the field, continuing to gallop powerfully all the way to the line with plenty seemingly left in reserve.
Seroor Al Shahania secured second for Al Ghazali Stud, trainer Mohammed Al Ghazali and jockey Soufiane Saadi. Maloof finished third, a further 2¾ lengths behind, for Al Fakhama Racing, trainer Khalifa Al-Buainain and jockey Salman Fahad Al-Hajri.
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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.
