Thomas rides Mehdi to Al Zubara Trophy victory as Amir Sword Festival begins

Jockey Ronan Thomas and Umm Qarn’s Mehdi  yesterday clinched the Al Zubara Trophy (Local Purebred Arabians) in a thrilling photo finish on the opening day of the 2020 Amir Sword Festival at Al Rayyan Park.

Mehdi, trained by Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, was pushed to the limits by She’ris, who was ridden by Eduardo Pedroza in the 2000m feature race on day 1 of the prestigious event.
Mehdi and Abdulatif Hussain Al Emadi’s She’ris were closely followed by Sealine, ridden by popular jockey Olivier Peslier from the beginning of the race.

As the pace quickened coming off the final bend, the Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki-trained She’ris weakened as the two Umm Qarn colts moved ahead. The two were neck and neck right till the post before Mehdi managed to take his first win of the season by a nose. She’ris settled for third.

The three-day racing extravaganza kicked off with a smashing win for H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khailfa Al Thani’s Mon’nia.

Julian Smart’s ward was in her elements under Tomas Lukasek in the mile-long Purebred Arabian Plate (4 Year Olds).

The duo picked up pace on the home straight to pull away from the competition eventually going past the post with four lengths to spare.

Earlier, H H Sheikh Mohammed's  Woodkid has consistently hit the frame at Al Rayyan Park and the Smart-trained horse did so yet again and this time entering the winner’s circle for the first time this season.

In the Thoroughbred Handicap (Class 3) (75-95), Tomas Lukasek’s mount held his own on the outside coming off the final bend before putting a rare turn of foot on display to move clear of the competition. The 6yo won the miler by two lengths.

Shaheen bin Khalid Shaheen Al Ghanim’s Jacko bounced back from a forgettable outing last time round to win his third race this season.

Al Shahania Stud’s Dahra may have made a low key start to her life in Qatar, but the filly chose the biggest racing weekend of them all to open her account in the country.

In the Purebred Arabian Handicap, the Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki-trained filly showed some turn of foot in the final furlong under Eduardo Pedroza that was good enough to edge out the Ronan Thomas-ridden Djamil by half a length at the post.

Mubarak bin Saeed Aljafai Al Naimi’s Al Shomos, trained by Majed Mahadi Seifeddine registered her maiden victory in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (85 & below).

Al Murtages Racing Syndicate’s Damon Runyon, trained by Mohammed Hamad Al Attiya reached the winner’s circle for the first time in his career.

In the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (Class 6), the 4yo had Leo Salles for company and the two picked up a fine win in the six-furlong run with two lengths and three quarters to spare.

Abdulhadi Mana Al Hajri’s Dominus raced to his first victory in Qatar since arrival from the UK.

Saddled by Stefano Ibido, the 4yo had shown promise in his first outing, finishing fifth over C&D earlier this month.

Yesterday, in the Thoroughbreds (Class 2), Luca Maniezzi guided the colt to a comfortable three-length victory.

Asian Equestrian Federation and Qatar Equestrian Federation President, Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiya, presented the trophies to the winners of the feature race yesterday