Doha, Qatar – Naseeb Zakhir delivered a dominant performance at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Tuesday, securing victory in the prestigious Zekreet Cup, a Local Purebred Arabian Handicap. The 4-year-old grey colt, owned and trained by Osama Omer Al-Dafea, finished four and a half lengths ahead of the competition, marking a significant achievement in Qatar’s horse racing season. The win solidifies Naseeb Zakhir’s position as a rising star in the local Arabian racing circuit.
The Zekreet Cup Day featured eight races overall, attracting a strong turnout of enthusiasts to the Al Rayyan Racecourse. Naseeb Zakhir’s triumph was just one highlight of a day filled with competitive racing and impressive displays of equestrian skill. The event is a key fixture in the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) calendar.
Naseeb Zakhir Claims Decisive Zekreet Cup Victory
Ridden by Faleh Bughenaim, Naseeb Zakhir quickly established a favorable position, breaking well from gate six in the seven-horse race. Initially tracking the early leader, Azzam FBR, the colt positioned himself strategically within the pack during the middle stages of the 1200m race.
As the race progressed, Naseeb Zakhir moved purposefully alongside Al Wasmi and Khaled Al Shahania. However, it was in the straight that the colt truly showcased his ability, unleashing a powerful turn of foot to surge past his rivals and take a commanding lead.
Race Details and Competition
Al Wasmi, representing Al Wasmiyah Farm, secured second place, demonstrating its own competitive spirit. Khaled Al Shahania maintained its position to finish a respectable third, completing the podium. The performance of all three showcased the growing strength of Qatar’s Purebred Arabian breeding and training programs.
The day’s racing commenced with Aljalta, ridden by Alberto Sanna, achieving a record-breaking win in the opening race, finishing an astonishing 20 lengths ahead. This performance set a high bar for the remainder of the card and signaled the favorable racing conditions.
Following the Zekreet Cup, Taimoor, with jockey Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi onboard, narrowly won the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-45) in a thrilling finish. Meanwhile, Bint Al Hareth (Soufiane Saadi) and Kafalat (Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik) both demonstrated strong late surges to secure victories in their respective events, adding to the excitement of the day.
Prince D’ossau (Tomas Lukasek), Flame Fair (Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik), and Nibras Al Marroona (Salman Fahad Al-Hajri) rounded out the winners, each delivering impactful performances that contributed to the overall success of the Zekreet Cup Day. The Peninsula Qatar reported on the full day’s results.
The success of horses like Naseeb Zakhir is attributed to a combination of factors, including careful breeding, rigorous training regimes, and the skill of the jockeys. Qatar has invested significantly in its equestrian infrastructure in recent years, attracting both local and international talent and raising the standard of competition. This commitment is evident in the quality of the racing at Al Rayyan Racecourse and other QREC venues.
Looking ahead, Naseeb Zakhir’s connections will likely evaluate upcoming races and determine the best path forward for the colt’s development. Further observation will be needed to assess whether this win indicates a sustained period of success for Naseeb Zakhir, or if it was a peak performance benefiting from optimal conditions. The QREC’s ongoing schedule will provide opportunities for the horse to compete and potentially build on this impressive victory in the Qatar Arabian Horse Racing sphere.
