Doha, Qatar – Lady De Faust secured a commanding victory in the Athbah Cup, a Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden race, at Al Uqda Racecourse on Wednesday. The 5-year-old mare triumphed over a competitive field, finishing five lengths ahead and marking a successful outing for owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, trainer Julian Smart, and jockey Pierre Charles Boudot. This win highlights the growing prominence of Qatar’s horse racing scene.
The 35th Al Uqda Race Meeting featured several other notable wins, showcasing both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian talent. Head of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Racing Operations Section, Rashid Saed Adiba, presented the trophies to the winning connections, acknowledging their achievements. The event drew significant attention from racing enthusiasts across the region.
Lady De Faust Dominates Athbah Cup Race
Lady De Faust’s performance was particularly impressive, building upon a fourth-place finish in the 4YO PA Oaks last December. The mare demonstrated clear authority, responding well to jockey Boudot’s guidance in the home straight. This victory represents a significant step forward in her racing career and reinforces the strength of the Al Kuwari and Smart partnership.
Trainer Julian Smart’s success wasn’t limited to the feature race. He also guided Khalil Du Croate to victory in a Purebred Arabian Handicap, further cementing his reputation as a leading trainer in Qatar. Boudot, riding for Smart on both horses, enjoyed a highly successful day at Al Uqda Racecourse.
Additional Race Highlights
Ghafan delivered a strong performance in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap, winning by 3¼ lengths under Jefferson Smith. The horse, owned and trained by Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, displayed a powerful finishing kick.
In a closely contested Local Thoroughbred Handicap, Al Gamamah narrowly edged out the competition to claim the title, winning by a head with Tomas Lukasek in the saddle. The victory was a collaborative effort between owner-trainer Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki and Lukasek.
RB Hot Mess also secured a win in the Purebred Arabian Handicap, winning by three lengths ridden by Alberto Sanna, trained by Bader Al Balushi and owned by Yosuf Ahmad Telfat. Al Shalfa SK achieved her first win in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap, while Bin La Hoor finally broke his maiden in the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate, offering further excitement to the day’s events.
The consistent performances in both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred races underscore the investment Qatar has made in developing its equestrian infrastructure. This commitment, according to The Peninsula Qatar, aims to position the country as a prominent global hub for horse racing.
Looking ahead, Qatar’s racing calendar continues with further events at Al Uqda Racecourse and other venues – a testament to the increasing popularity of the sport. The focus will now shift to preparing horses for upcoming championships and international competitions. The performance of young horses like Lady De Faust will be closely monitored as they progress through their careers, while the strategies of leading trainers like Julian Smart will be pivotal in shaping future results.
