Doha, Qatar – Naseeb Zakhir delivered a powerful finish to win the prestigious Mesaieed Cup, a Local Purebred Arabian Handicap, at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday. The five-year-old grey horse, trained by Osama Omer Al-Dafea and ridden by Faleh Bughenaim, edged out AJS Kabul by a head in the 1300m race, marking a significant victory in the Qatari racing calendar. This win highlights the growing prominence of Purebred Arabian racing in the region.
The event, held at the Al Uqda Racecourse, saw a series of competitive races throughout the day, attracting a large audience of racing enthusiasts. The Mesaieed Cup is a key event for local horse owners and trainers, showcasing the quality of Arabian breeding and horsemanship in Qatar. Several other races were held, featuring both Thoroughbred and Arabian horses.
Naseeb Zakhir Claims Mesaieed Cup in Thrilling Finish
Naseeb Zakhir’s victory was a testament to his consistent performance throughout the season. While having secured only one previous win this season, the horse had consistently placed second in several races, demonstrating its competitive spirit. The horse’s late surge proved decisive, overtaking the leading AJS Kabul in the final strides of the race.
Trainer Osama Omer Al-Dafea expressed satisfaction with Naseeb Zakhir’s performance, noting the horse’s determination and the jockey’s skillful ride. Bughenaim, a leading jockey in Qatar, expertly navigated Naseeb Zakhir through the field, positioning him for a strong finish. The win is expected to boost Naseeb Zakhir’s profile in future Arabian horse races.
Other Notable Results from Al Uqda Racecourse
The day’s racing card featured several other compelling contests. Overrule, trained by Mohammed Hassan Al Matwi and ridden by Szczepan Mazur, secured a win in the Thoroughbred Handicap, setting a positive tone for the afternoon. This victory showcased the strength of Thoroughbred racing alongside the local Arabian breed.
Lubara, under the guidance of Bughenaim and trainer Jean de Mieulle, broke her maiden in the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate. Meanwhile, Muraaqib, with Mazur aboard and trained by M.H.K. Al Attiyah, made a successful debut in the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. These maiden victories signal the emergence of promising young talent in the Qatari racing scene.
Moharb, trained by Gassim Al Ghazali and ridden by Pierre Charles Boudot, claimed victory in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap. In the Arabian ranks, Kawaii D’Vialettes, trained by Ahmed Al Jehani and ridden by Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi, triumphed in the Purebred Arabian Handicap (1200m). M’tawa El Saa’yeb, with Jefferson Smith in the saddle and trained by Hamad Al-Jehani, dominated the longer-distance Purebred Arabian Handicap (2000m), demonstrating versatility within the horse racing community.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) officials presented the Mesaieed Cup to the winning connections, acknowledging the significance of the event. The QREC continues to invest in developing both Thoroughbred and Arabian racing within the country, aiming to elevate the sport’s profile internationally. This commitment is evident in the quality of facilities and the increasing number of competitive races.
The success of the Mesaieed Cup and the overall racing day underscores Qatar’s growing reputation as a hub for equestrian sports. The country has been actively promoting horse breeding and racing, attracting both local and international participants. This focus on equestrian excellence contributes to Qatar’s broader sports tourism strategy.
Looking ahead, the QREC is expected to announce the schedule for upcoming races in the new year. The focus will likely remain on showcasing the talents of both Purebred Arabians and Thoroughbreds, with continued efforts to attract international competition. The performance of young horses like Lubara and Muraaqib will be closely watched as they progress through their racing careers.
Further details on the QREC’s upcoming events and initiatives can be found on their official website: https://www.qrec.qa/
