Action at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday.
Al Ghazali and Casamento dominate the opening day with a triple win at Al Rayyan Racecourse
Doha, Qatar: The 48th H H The Amir Sword Festival burst into action yesterday as Hadi De Carrere and Loaded Gun delivered standout wins that set the tone for what promises to be four days of thrilling racing.
It was a landmark moment for Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, celebrating its 50th anniversary by hosting the popular festival for four days for the first time.
QREC Deputy CEO Ahmed Amanalla Al-Sheebani presented the Purebred Arabian Open Handicap Cup to Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohamed bin Faleh Al-Thani, owner of Hadi De Carrere. Pics: JUHAIM/QREC
Trainer Gassim Al Ghazali and jockey Marco Casamento quickly stamped their authority on the event, each claiming three victories and setting the stage for the action-packed days ahead.
The highlight of the day came when Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohamed bin Faleh Al-Thani-owned Hadi De Carrere capped the evening in style, powering home to win the Purebred Arabian Open Handicap Cup by an astonishing 13 lengths.
The nine-year-old bay appeared at ease from the start of the 1900m race, moving comfortably through the early stages before pulling clear in the home straight. With the final 250m unfolding, he showcased a burst of speed that left rivals trailing, sealing a commanding victory as the opening day drew to a close.
Marco Casamento guides Hadi De Carrere to Purebred Arabian Open Handicap Cup win.
Earlier in the penultimate race, Khalid Nasser Al-Attiya-owned Loaded Gun had delivered another win for the duo, taking the Thoroughbred Handicap Cup over 2500m. The five-year-old bay dug deep in a strong field, edging out his rivals by a quarter length.
The Festival began on a high note for Al Ghazali and Casamento when Jungle Monarch opened proceedings with a 2½-length victory in the Thoroughbred Maiden Cup.
Meanwhile, Sweet Fantastic with Szczepan Mazur in the saddle won the Thoroughbred Handicap by over five lengths, while Purebred Arabian Handicap Cup saw Dukhan Alseej under Hamza Laglaoui claiming a 1¼ lengths victory.
QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented the Thoroughbred Handicap Cup to the connections of Loaded Gun.
Mazur also rode Waajidd to Thoroughbred Novice Cup triumph while Al Natibis Up won the Purebred Arabian Novice Cup with Pierre Charles Boudot in the saddle.
The Festival features a total of 32 races, with the closing day on Saturday set to host the most prestigious contests, highlighted by the H H The Amir Sword and the H H The Amir Trophy, each offering prize money of $2.5m.
