Doha, Qatar – Sheikh Talal Nasser Al-Thani’s Jalila Alghania, expertly ridden by Gavin Matt Ryan, secured victory in the prestigious End Of Year Cup at Al Uqda Racecourse on Tuesday. The four-year-old filly demonstrated a strong finish to win the 1300m Local Purebred Arabian Graduation race, marking a successful conclusion to the 2025 racing season at the venue. The win highlights the continued strength of Purebred Arabian racing in Qatar.
The crowning of the End Of Year Cup winners was overseen by Rashid Saed Adiba, Head of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Racing Operations Section. This event signals the close of another year of competitive racing hosted by QREC and sets the stage for the upcoming 2026 season.
Jalila Alghania’s Dominant Performance in the End Of Year Cup
Jalila Alghania remained consistently positioned throughout the race before unleashing a powerful acceleration in the final stretch. She crossed the finish line ahead of the competition, securing a noteworthy win for both trainer Hadi Al Ramzani and jockey Gavin Matt Ryan. Ryan praised the filly’s determination, noting her consistent performance and impressive speed during the race.
This victory represented a double win for the Al Ramzani-Ryan partnership on the evening, after they previously succeeded with Hardan in the Purebred Arabian Handicap (45-65) over 1200m. Hardan won by a margin exceeding two lengths, demonstrating the duo’s effective teamwork and training strategies.
A Successful Evening for Trainer-Jockey Combinations
Another team that experienced a very productive night was Gassim Al Ghazali and Marco Casamento, achieving an impressive three wins. Their success began with Al Ryan Park dominating the 1200m Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate, winning by a substantial five-length lead.
Al Ghazali and Casamento continued their winning streak with Al Kazim in the Purebred Arabian Handicap and then with Loaded Gun in the Thoroughbred Handicap. These back-to-back victories showcased their skill and coordination in navigating different race conditions and horse capabilities. Thoroughbred racing also saw success with Saleh Salem Al-Marri guiding Thanks Forever to victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap (0-70).
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed’s Royalty, ridden by Damien Morin, clinched the 2000m Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-55) in a closely contested finish. The race ended with Royalty winning by just half a length, highlighting the competitive spirit of the event.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 QREC Racing Season
The QREC racing season is set to resume quickly with the 31st Al Rayyan Race Meeting – Umm Al Zubar Cup, scheduled for this evening. This meeting will feature eight races, including the prominent Umm Al Zubar Cup – a Purebred Arabian Open Allowance Race (Class 2) which promises another exciting display of equestrian talent.
The Al Rayyan Race Meeting will provide an early indicator of which horses and jockeys are in prime form for the upcoming challenges in the 2026 season. The continued focus on both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred racing reinforces Qatar’s commitment to the sport. Racing enthusiasts will be watching closely for potential contenders and emerging stars.
The QREC has not yet announced the full schedule for the 2026 season, but further details are expected in the coming weeks. The success of the End Of Year Cup and the enthusiasm for the upcoming Al Rayyan Race Meeting underscore the growing popularity of horse racing in Qatar and the region.
