The Umm Bab Cup at the 4th Al Rayyan Race Meeting saw the Hassan bin Ali Hassan-owned Al Matwi celebrate as their six-year-old mare, Medan, emerged victorious. Trained by Mohammed Hassan Al Matwi and ridden by Soufiane Saadi, Medan showcased her dominance in the Purebred Arabian Open Race, finishing two and three-quarter lengths ahead of her competitors in the 2100m race. The grey mare’s impressive performance secured her the coveted Umm Bab Cup, with H E Sheikha Iman M K Al Thani’s Haman (FR) coming in second and Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Falak (FR) finishing third.
The post-race ceremony at the event was filled with excitement as Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi crowned the winners. Earlier in the day, Mystical Music (GB), owned by Nasser Saeed M S Al Eida and trained by Jassim Ghazali, claimed victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap (70-90), 3YO+ over 2100m. The Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (80-105), 4YO+ over 1400m, saw AJS Kabul (AF AlBahar x Grace T) emerge victorious under the guidance of trainer M H K Al Attiyah and jockey Szczepan Mazur.
The excitement continued in the day’s opening race, Thoroughbred Handicap (0-95), 3YOs, where Aafoor (Qurbaan x Filfila) secured a clear win by a length and a quarter. The event showcased the talent and prowess of both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horses, with thrilling races and impressive performances throughout the day. The skill and expertise of the trainers and jockeys were evident in the way the horses were guided to victory in each race, delighting spectators and enthusiasts alike.
The 4th Al Rayyan Race Meeting was a spectacular event filled with high-stakes races and fierce competition. The Umm Bab Cup, in particular, drew attention as Medan’s victory captivated the crowd and solidified her status as a top contender in the Purebred Arabian racing scene. With each race showcasing the speed, agility, and determination of the horses, the event highlighted the beauty and excitement of horse racing in Qatar. The winners of each race were celebrated with grandeur, honoring their skill and dedication to the sport.
As the day came to a close, the memories of the thrilling races and impressive victories lingered in the air, leaving a sense of anticipation for future events in the racing calendar. The 4th Al Rayyan Race Meeting was a testament to the passion and love for horse racing in Qatar, bringing together enthusiasts and supporters to witness the magic and excitement of this noble sport. With each race, the horses and their handlers showcased their talent and dedication, reaffirming the country’s position as a hub for elite equestrian competitions.
