Doha, Qatar – Hadi De Carrere secured a thrilling victory in the Umm Al Zubar Cup, the prestigious Purebred Arabian Open Allowance Race, at the 31st Al Rayyan Race Meeting held yesterday at Al Rayyan Racecourse. The gelding’s strong finish, timed perfectly by jockey Marco Casamento, saw him narrowly defeat the longtime leader, Salwa, by a head. This win marks a significant moment in the Purebred Arabian racing season.
The Al Rayyan Race Meeting, a staple in Qatar’s equestrian calendar, concluded with a day of competitive racing featuring both Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds. Rashid Saed Adiba, Head of QREC Racing Operations Section, presented the trophies to the winning connections. The event drew considerable attention from racing enthusiasts and highlighted the growing prominence of Arabian horse racing in the region.
Hadi De Carrere’s Dramatic Win in the Umm Al Zubar Cup
Hadi De Carrere was expertly positioned by Casamento throughout the 1900m race, saving energy for a decisive push in the final stages. Trainer Gassim Al Ghazali’s strategy proved successful, showcasing a strong trainer-jockey partnership that also yielded additional wins throughout the day. The horse demonstrated a remarkable turn of foot, overtaking Salwa in the very last stride.
This victory wasn’t the only success for the Ghazali-Casamento team. They enjoyed a highly productive afternoon, consistently delivering strong performances across multiple races. This further cements their reputation as a leading force in Qatari horseracing circles.
Other Notable Results from the Al Rayyan Race Meeting
Earlier in the program, Sahm Al Bawadi displayed dominant form in the Purebred Arabian Show Horses and Mares race, winning by a convincing 4½ lengths. The Thoroughbred Handicap saw Super Mo emerge victorious, finishing 2½ lengths ahead of the competition.
Mallhog controlled the pace and won the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60) with a five-length lead. Al-Yaseen Zakhir added to the Ghazali-Casamento tally with another win, this time in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap. Wahaas took the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate in a close finish, edging out the competition by a neck, and Little Lips prevailed in the Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60).
The opening race of the day, the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, saw Tawfeeq break his maiden, winning the 1700m race by a quarter of a length. These results demonstrate the breadth of talent and competitive spirit within the Qatari racing community. Horse racing continues to be a popular sport, attracting both local and international participants.
The success of both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred races underlines Qatar’s commitment to developing a world-class equestrian infrastructure. Investments in training facilities, racecourses like Al Rayyan, and breeding programs are contributing to the sport’s growth and appeal. Additionally, the QREC plays a crucial role in fostering this development through organizing high-profile events.
Looking ahead, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) is expected to announce the schedule for the next major race meeting in the coming weeks. The focus will likely remain on showcasing the quality of Arabian horses and attracting top-tier jockeys and trainers to the region. Continued investment in the sport and strategic partnerships will be key to maintaining Qatar’s position as a leading equestrian hub.
Further details about the race results and upcoming events can be found on the QREC website.
