Doha, Qatar – Sun Amer, skillfully guided by jockey Soufiane Saadi, secured a thrilling victory in the prestigious Muaither Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. The Purebred Arabian Handicap (80–100) for four-year-olds saw a competitive field, but Sun Amer ultimately prevailed by a narrow head, marking a significant win for trainer Bader Al Balushi and owner Khalid Mohammed Al-Harami. The race was a highlight of the 27th Al Rayyan Race Meeting.
The event, held at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), drew a large crowd eager to witness top Arabian horse racing. Several horses contended for the lead throughout the 1700m Class 2 contest, including Alhafar, Rammah, and Al Mustafiz, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. The victory underscores Qatar’s continued prominence in the sport of Arabian horse racing.
Soufiane Saadi Leads Sun Amer to Muaither Cup Triumph
Jockey Soufiane Saadi strategically positioned Sun Amer towards the rear of the pack in the early stages of the race. However, he expertly maneuvered the six-year-old grey to surge forward at a critical moment. Salwa, ridden by Ivan Rossi, appeared to be taking the lead in the final 200 meters, but Sun Amer demonstrated exceptional speed and determination to overtake Salwa and claim the title. Marco Casamento steered Al Kazim to a respectable third-place finish.
Saadi expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating he focused on maintaining the right position and balance throughout the challenging race. The jockey’s experience and skillful riding were undoubtedly key factors in Sun Amer’s success. This win adds to Saadi’s growing reputation as a leading jockey in the region.
Additional Race Highlights
The race card featured several other notable performances. Saleh Salem Al-Marri achieved a remarkable hat-trick, securing wins with Suheal Qatar in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap, Loaded Gun in the Thoroughbred Handicap 0-75, and Fathi in the Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate. This demonstrates Al-Marri’s versatility and skill across different horse breeds and race types.
Meanwhile, Za’eer Al Shahania, under Faleh Bughenaim, dominated the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (75–95) with a commanding four-length victory. Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik also achieved success, piloting Kafalat to victory in the Purebred Arabian Handicap. The opening race saw Thunder Valley, ridden by Arnaud De Lepine, win the Thoroughbred Handicap (45-65), followed by Nahar’s neck win in the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, guided by Pierre Charles Boudot.
The winners of the Muaither Cup were formally honored by Rashid Saed Adiba, Head of Racing Operations at QREC, recognizing their achievements and contributions to the sport. The event highlighted the commitment of QREC to fostering and promoting Arabian horse racing in Qatar.
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to Al Uqda Racecourse tomorrow, where another eight-race card is scheduled. The Distaff Cup – Thoroughbred (Fillies and Mares) Graduation Plate (Class 4) will be the main event, promising another exciting day of horse racing. The performance of emerging talents and established champions will be closely watched as the racing season progresses, and further Qatar racing events are planned throughout the year. The continued success of these events relies on favorable weather conditions and the health of the competing horses.
27th Al Rayyan Race Meeting – Muaither Cup
WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)
Muaither Cup – Purebred Arabian Handicap 80-100 (Class 2)
Sun Amer, Bader Al Balushi, Soufiane Saadi
Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-65)
Suheal Qatar, Abdulaziz Hamad Al Marri, Saleh Salem Al-Marri
Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (75-95)
Za’eer Al Shahania, Eng. Osama Omer Al-Dafea, Faleh Bughenaim
Purebred Arabian Handicap (55-75)
Kafalat, Ahmed Kobeissi, Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik
Thoroughbred Handicap 0-75, 3YO+, 1900m
Loaded Gun, Gassim Al Ghazali, Saleh Salem Al-Marri
Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate
Fathi, Fahad Rashid Al Khayarin, Saleh Salem Al-Marri
Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate
Nahar, Hamad Al-Jehani, Pierre Charles Boudot
Thoroughbred Handicap (45-65)
Thunder Valley, Hadi Al Ramzani, Arnaud De Lepine
