Doha, Qatar – Jenkille Hipolyte secured a thrilling victory in the Al Arish Cup at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) yesterday, marking a highlight of the 40th race meeting at Al Uqda Racecourse. The seven-year-old bay horse, ridden by Arnaud De Lepine, edged out Al Khbaib by a head in the 1300-meter contest. Additionally, Pacifiste qualified for the prestigious H H The Amir Shalfa with a strong performance in the Thoroughbred Handicap.
The event, held at Al Uqda Racecourse, drew significant attention from racing enthusiasts and owners. Eng. Osama Omer E Al-Dafea owns Jenkille Hipolyte, while Al Shaqab Racing fields Al Khbaib. The Al Arish Cup is a key event leading up to the H H The Amir Sword Festival, scheduled for February, and showcases some of Qatar’s top equine talent.
Jenkille Hipolyte Claims Al Arish Cup in Close Finish
The feature race of the day saw a captivating finish as Jenkille Hipolyte and Arnaud De Lepine navigated a challenging course to secure the win. Al Khbaib, ridden by Olivier d’Andigne, presented a strong challenge, ultimately finishing a narrow second. H E Sheikha Reem M K Al Thani’s Nah’ash Al Shahania, with Lukas Delozier aboard, rounded out the top three.
According to QREC officials, the Al Arish Cup is a significant stepping stone for horses aiming for higher-level competitions. The race attracts a competitive field, testing the stamina and skill of both horse and rider. The close finish underscored the high caliber of racing at Al Uqda.
Pacifiste Qualifies for H H The Amir Shalfa
Earlier in the day, Pacifiste demonstrated impressive form in the Thoroughbred Handicap, a Class 3 Shalfa Qualifier. The four-year-old chestnut colt, trained by Mohd Ahmed Mohd Hasan Al-Sulaiti and ridden by Jefferson Smith, won by 1¼ lengths, securing its place in the H H The Amir Shalfa. This is Pacifiste’s second career win in eight starts.
Evergreen, owned by Rashid Awajan K A Al-Khayarin and ridden by Pierre Charles Boudot, finished second, while Hornsea Bay, representing Saif Rashid Saif Al Khayarin with Arnaud De Lepine, took third. The Thoroughbred Handicap served as a crucial qualifier for the upcoming Shalfa race, a key component of the H H The Amir Sword Festival.
Other notable results from the day included Agshar’s victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate, Ponga’s win in the Thoroughbred Handicap 70–90 Class 3, and Tabahi’s success in the Thoroughbred Fillies and Mare Novice Plate. Al Qaws, Jabroot, and Navarzato also secured wins in their respective races, contributing to a full day of competitive horse racing.
The QREC continues to promote equestrian sports in Qatar, attracting both local and international participants. The club’s events contribute to the country’s growing reputation as a hub for high-quality racing. The success of events like the Al Arish Cup and the upcoming H H The Amir Sword Festival are central to this effort.
Looking ahead, all eyes are now on the H H The Amir Shalfa and the broader H H The Amir Sword Festival in February. The performance of qualifiers like Pacifiste will be closely watched as they prepare for the prestigious event. The final fields and potential contenders remain subject to change, and further updates will be released by QREC as the festival approaches. The continued development of Qatar racing will depend on attracting and nurturing both local talent and international competition.
Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club provides further details on upcoming events and race results.
