DOHA, Qatar – Glory Of The Stars secured a dominant victory in the Lusail Cup at Al Uqda Racecourse on Tuesday, continuing a successful season for the five-year-old mare. Jockey Jefferson Smith skillfully guided Glory Of The Stars to a 1¼ length win in the prestigious Thoroughbred fillies and mares race, solidifying her position as a leading contender in Qatari horse racing. The event drew significant attention from racing enthusiasts across Qatar and beyond.
The Lusail Cup, a 1200m contest for three-year-old and older Thoroughbreds, was held at Al Uqda, the premier equestrian facility outside Doha. Eng. Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik owns the winning mare, who is trained by Debbie Mountain. Rashid Saed Adiba, Head of Racing Operations at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), presented the winning connections with their trophies following the race.
Glory Of The Stars Claims Lusail Cup Victory
Glory Of The Stars navigated a challenging race, initially trailing the field before unleashing a powerful finishing kick. Smith’s strategic ride allowed the mare to conserve energy early on, positioning her perfectly for a late surge down the outside. This victory marks her second consecutive win of the season, showcasing consistent performance and a strong partnership between horse and jockey.
However, the day’s racing wasn’t solely focused on the Lusail Cup. Several other races featured competitive fields and highlighted emerging talent within the Qatari equestrian scene. These supporting races play a crucial role in developing both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horses, according to QREC officials.
Strong Performances in Supporting Races
Sun Amer, under the guidance of Soufiane Saadi and trained by Bader Al Balushi, demonstrated a commanding front-running performance to win the Purebred Arabian Conditions race. This showcases the strength of Arabian horse racing in Qatar, a tradition deeply rooted in the country’s heritage.
In the Purebred Arabian Handicap (70–90), Nah’ash Al Shahania, ridden by Lukas Delozier and trained by Rudy Nerbonne, secured a decisive win. Meanwhile, Court Poet, trained by Nayef Batal Al-Otibi and ridden by Maikon De Souza, impressed in the Thoroughbred Novice Plate with a display of both speed and maturity.
The Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0–50) saw a determined effort from Achika, guided by Fayos Martin Borja and trained by Yousef Al-Jumaily. Awamir, trained by Zuhair Mohsen and ridden by Pierre Charles Boudot, dominated the Purebred Arabian Handicap (50–70) with a well-timed run. Corpus Juris, trained by Gassim Al Ghazali and ridden by Marco Casamento, broke through to achieve its first career win in the Thoroughbred Rated Maiden Plate.
The success of Glory Of The Stars and other horses in these races underscores the growing investment in Qatar’s equestrian infrastructure and training programs. The QREC continues to focus on promoting both Thoroughbred and Arabian racing, attracting international participation and fostering local talent. QREC is committed to enhancing the quality of racing and developing the skills of jockeys and trainers.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to upcoming races at Al Uqda and other regional venues. These events will provide further opportunities for horses and riders to compete and demonstrate their abilities. Weather conditions and track maintenance will be key factors influencing future race outcomes, and observers will be watching closely to see how consistently strong performers like Glory Of The Stars continue their campaigns.