Doha, Qatar – Mutamarrid secured victory in the Ras Rokn Island Cup at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday, capping off a competitive day of racing featuring a nine-race program. The nine-year-old Thoroughbred demonstrated its class in the feature race, a Local Thoroughbred Handicap, overcoming a field of seven competitors. The win marks Mutamarrid’s ninth career triumph and signals continued strong performance for the horse and its connections.
The event, the 45th Al Rayyan Race Meeting, drew significant attendance and showcased both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian horses. QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented the trophies following the final race, recognizing the achievements of the winning owners, trainers, and jockeys. The afternoon included several other notable wins, highlighting the depth of talent within Qatar’s racing community.
Mutamarrid Claims Ras Rokn Island Cup Title
Mutamarrid, owned by Injaaz Stud and trained by Jihad El Ahmad, finished two and three-quarter lengths ahead of the competition. Jockey Pierre Charles Boudot expertly guided the horse to victory, capitalizing on a decisive late surge. This win follows a series of consistent performances, demonstrating Mutamarrid’s enduring ability in handicap races.
Key Race Results
Beyond the feature race, several other horses achieved success. Tariqu Al Shahania opened the day with a maiden victory, while Gasham secured a breakthrough win in the second race. Midrass, a seasoned competitor, regained winning form, and Habes returned to the winner’s enclosure after a period of competition. Necessitate also delivered a strong performance, maintaining a lead throughout its race.
Gulf Legend demonstrated staying power in the handicap race, while Sha’alan narrowly edged out rivals in a closely contested sprint. Sham Alghania, a newcomer, impressed by winning against more experienced horses. These results underscore the diverse range of talent on display at Al Uqda Racecourse and the competitive nature of horse racing in Qatar.
Expanding Qatar’s Racing Calendar
The Ras Rokn Island Cup is part of a broader effort by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) to enhance the country’s racing calendar and attract international attention. According to QREC officials, the Al Rayyan Race Meeting is designed to provide opportunities for both local and international horses and jockeys. This commitment to development is expected to further elevate Qatar’s position as a prominent hub for equestrian sports.
Additionally, the event serves as a platform for showcasing Purebred Arabian horses, a breed deeply rooted in Qatari culture and heritage. The inclusion of races specifically for Purebred Arabians highlights the importance of preserving and promoting this unique breed. The success of Sham Alghania, a Purebred Arabian, in the show horses and mares race exemplifies this commitment.
The increasing popularity of Thoroughbred racing in Qatar is also evident in the strong performances of horses like Mutamarrid. The combination of local talent and international participation contributes to the dynamic and growing racing scene. The event also provided valuable experience for up-and-coming jockeys and trainers, fostering the next generation of equestrian professionals.
Looking ahead, QREC is expected to announce the schedule for upcoming race meetings in the coming weeks. The organization will likely continue to focus on attracting high-quality horses and jockeys to Qatar, further enhancing the competitiveness and prestige of its racing events. The continued success of events like the Ras Rokn Island Cup will be crucial in solidifying Qatar’s position on the international racing circuit, though future scheduling and participation rates remain subject to ongoing evaluation.
Full list of winners:
- Ras Rokn Island Cup – Local Thoroughbred Handicap 45-70 (Class 3)
Mutamarrid, Jihad El Ahmad, Pierre Charles Boudot - Purebred Arabian Show Horses And Mares
Sham Alghania, Bader Al Balushi, Youssef Lachhab - Purebred Arabian Handicap 65-85 (Class 4)
Sha’alan, Mohammed Alghazali, Lukas Delozier - Thoroughbred Handicap 65-85 (Class 4)
Gulf Legend, Gassim AlGhazali, Salman Fahad Al-Hajri - Thoroughbred Handicap 55-75 (Class 5)
Necessitate, Rashid Al Jehani, Saleh Salem Al-Marri - Local Purebred Arabian Handicap 55-75 (Class 5)
Habes, Hadi Al Ramzani, Marco Casamento - Purebred Arabian Handicap 45-65 (Class 6)
Midrass, Hadi Al Ramzani, Faleh Bughenaim - Local Thoroughbred Premium Maiden Plate (Class 6)
Gasham, Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, Saleh Salem Al-Marri - Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate (Class 6)
Tariqu Al Shahania, Rudy Andre Nerbonne, Lukas Delozier