Christophe Soumillon guides Alkrar to win Al Rayyan Cup.
Doha, Qatar: Alkrar (Azadi) claimed his first victory at the highest level by winning the Gr.1 (PA) Al Rayyan Cup while HM Alchahine (Al Mourtajez) claimed the Gr.1 (PA) Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) in thrilling action at Deauville in France yesterday.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiya and QREC Board Member Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Attiyah presented the trophies for the QREC-sponsored Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) and Doha Cup (Prix Manganate).
Their presentation crowned a stellar afternoon of Group 1 PA action across the two contests staged at Deauville.
Alkrar remains unbeaten
Alkrar (Azadi), the unbeaten three-year-old colt - bred by Al Wasmiyah Racing - claimed his first victory at the highest level by winning the Gr.1 (PA) Al Rayyan Cup – Prix Kesberoy over 2000m.
The race was contested by a field of four runners, comprising three colts and one filly. The race was reserved for three-year-old Purebred Arabians.
Trained by François Rohaut, ridden by Christophe Soumillon and owned and bred by Al Wasmiyah Racing, the homebred colt maintained his perfect record with a determined performance.
QREC Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiya presented the trophies to the connections of Alkrar, winners of the Gr.1 Al Rayyan Cup.
Alkrar came into the race unbeaten in two previous starts. He made a successful debut over 1600m at La Teste, winning comfortably, before confirming his potential on his second appearance by taking a Gr.3 (PA) contest over 1900m at the same racecourse. His victory at Deauville therefore marked his third success from three starts and his first at Gr.1 (PA) level.
Alkrar broke very well from the stalls but was immediately taken back by Christophe Soumillon to settle in third position, just behind Balsam (Mister Ginoux). Zahim (Al Mamun Monlau) led the field in a single-file formation, followed by Balsam in second, Alkrar in third, and Npedor De Bozouls at the rear.
With the runners travelling at an even tempo, the order remained unchanged throughout most of the race. Leaving the final turn, Christophe Soumillon made an early move aboard Alkrar and quickly sent him forward to join Balsam at the head of the field. The two runners soon pulled clear of the other runners, but Balsam continued to offer strong resistance as they approached the final 200m. In a thrilling finish, Alkrar found something extra under pressure and gradually gained the advantage, eventually prevailing by three-quarters of a length. Balsam finished second, with Zahim taking third.
HM Alchahine claims fourth Gr.1 victory
HM Alchahine, Bred by H. Mousli and Mme N. Mousalli, claimed the fourth Gr.1 (PA) victory of his career by winning the Gr.1 (PA) Doha Cup over 2000m. The race was reserved for four-year-old and older Purebred Arabians and attracted a strong field of seven runners. Trained by Mme Jean-François Bernard, ridden by Cristian Demuro, and owned by Helal Alalawi, HM Alchahine produced an impressive turn of foot to win once again at the highest level.
HM Alchahine and jockey Cristian Demuro on their way to win the Doha Cup.
The six-year-old colt came into the race following an excellent seasonal reappearance at La Teste the previous month, when he finished third in the Gr.2 (PA) Prix Deryan over 1900m.
As is often the case, HM Alchahine was settled at the rear of the field during the early stages. Romeo At (Af Al Buraq) immediately took the lead and set a good tempo, with Al Theeb racing in second position and Laffan in third.
At the back of the field, HM Alchahine travelled comfortably and switched off under Cristian Demuro.
QREC Board Member Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Attiyah with the connections of HM Alchahine after the Helal Alalawi-owned colt won the Doha Cup. Pictures: scoopdyga
Leaving the final turn, Romeo At kicked clear and lifted the pace. Al Theeb was quickly placed under pressure and was unable to follow the leader’s acceleration. However, HM Alchahine began to make rapid progress on the far outside.
HM Alchahine produced a devastating turn of foot to sweep past the entire field. Only Laffan was able to give chase, but he could not match the winner’s acceleration. HM Alchahine continued strongly to win by one and a half lengths, with Laffan finishing second and Romeo At holding on for third. Bred by H. Mousli and Mme N. Mousalli, HM Alchahine is out of Al Chyhanah.
