Doha, Qatar – An exciting evening of horse racing culminated in a victory for Medan in the Lekhraib Cup at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday. The event, held on November 30th, showcased seven competitive races featuring both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian horses, drawing a significant crowd to the venue. Szczepan Mazur’s skillful ride guided Medan to a decisive win in the feature race, marking a successful return to the track for the 7-year-old mare.
The Lekhraib Cup Day featured a diverse range of races, attracting both seasoned competitors and emerging talents in the Qatari racing scene. Al Uqda Racecourse continues to establish itself as a key venue for equestrian sports in the region, hosting events that contribute to the growing popularity of horse racing in Qatar. The day’s events highlighted the skill of both jockeys and trainers, as well as the athleticism of the horses.
Medan Secures Victory in the Lekhraib Cup
Medan, carrying top weight and making her seasonal debut, demonstrated impressive stamina and a powerful finishing kick to win the 2200m Purebred Arabian Handicap. Trained by Mohammed Hassan Al Matwi, the grey mare overtook the leading Jenkille Hipolyte in the final furlong, securing a three-quarter length victory. Raed finished a close third, completing the podium.
A Strategic Ride to Success
Jockey Szczepan Mazur’s strategy of settling Medan behind the early leaders proved crucial, allowing the mare to conserve energy for a strong late run. This tactical approach, combined with Medan’s inherent ability, proved to be the winning formula. The victory underscores the importance of jockey-horse synergy in competitive racing.
The opening race of the day saw Crest Of Esteem break his maiden in the 1400m Thoroughbred race, finishing strongly under Alberto Sanna. Waajidd and The Hrse Horse followed closely behind, making for a competitive finish. Serengeti Sunset then returned to winning form in the 2200m Thoroughbred Handicap, overtaking Loaded Gun in the final strides.
Additionally, the Local Thoroughbred Handicap delivered a dramatic finish, with Achika narrowly defeating Ghafan by a short head. Glory Of The Stars also secured a photo-finish win in the 1400m fillies and mares handicap, edging out September Leaves by a nose. Tamborrada demonstrated impressive stamina in the 2200m handicap, overtaking the long-time leader See All Match.
Meanwhile, Razy concluded the card with a commanding front-running victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap. The horse maintained the lead throughout the race, showcasing a confident seasonal return. The consistent performance across all races highlighted the high caliber of competition at Al Uqda Racecourse. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) officials noted the strong participation and competitive spirit displayed throughout the day.
The success of the Lekhraib Cup meeting builds on the momentum of Qatar’s growing equestrian calendar. The event contributes to the nation’s profile as a host of international sporting events, attracting both local and international participants. The increasing popularity of horse racing in Qatar is also driving investment in facilities and training programs.
Looking ahead, QREC is expected to announce the schedule for upcoming races in December. The focus will likely shift towards preparing for larger international events planned for early next year. The performance of horses like Medan and Razy will be closely watched as they potentially prepare for more prestigious competitions. Further details regarding prize money distribution and jockey standings are anticipated to be released in the coming days.
