Doha, Qatar – One Nation, skillfully ridden by jockey Arnaud De Lepine, secured a commanding victory in the prestigious Doha Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. The Thoroughbred Handicap (85-105) saw One Nation surge past competitors to win by three lengths, marking a significant win for owner Hamed Ali Al-Mulla and trainer Ahmed Al Jehani. The event showcased top Arabian horse racing talent and drew considerable attention from equestrian enthusiasts.
The race, held as part of the 12th Al Rayyan Race Meeting, featured a strong field of four-year-old thoroughbreds. De Lepine expertly navigated One Nation from a mid-pack position, unleashing a powerful move as they approached the home stretch. Millions finished second, with Dubawi Spectrein taking third place.
One Nation Claims Victory in Thrilling Doha Cup Race
Jockey De Lepine expressed confidence in One Nation’s performance following the win. He stated the five-year-old gelding was a “nice competitor” and praised the ideal racing conditions. The victory underscores the growing prominence of Qatar as a hub for international horse racing, attracting skilled jockeys and competitive horses.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiya presented the awards to the winning connections, highlighting the importance of the event within the Qatari sporting calendar. The QREC continues to invest in developing equestrian sports and promoting Qatar as a premier destination for racing events.
Additional Race Highlights
Beyond the Doha Cup, the Al Rayyan Race Meeting featured several other notable performances. Za’eer Al Shahania delivered a dominant display in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap, winning by an impressive eight lengths under jockey Soufiane Saadi. This victory showcased the strength of locally bred Arabian horses.
Meanwhile, Taaghi, ridden by Olivier d’Andigne, impressed in the Purebred Arabian Handicap (55-75), securing a four-length win. Harba Alseej triumphed in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-45) with Marco Casamento as jockey, and AJS Kabul won the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate in a close finish. Al Fareq and Ruling Master also secured victories in their respective handicap and maiden plate races.
The success of these races demonstrates the depth of talent within the Qatari racing community and the increasing competitiveness of Arabian horse racing. The event also highlighted the skill of international jockeys contributing to the sport’s growth in the region. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club plays a vital role in fostering this development.
Looking ahead, the 13th Al Rayyan Race Meeting – The Late Sheikh Ali Bin Faleh Al Thani Cup – will take place today at Al Uqda Racecourse, featuring nine races. The upcoming meeting is expected to continue showcasing the high caliber of Arabian horse racing and attract a significant audience. The focus will be on observing the performance of emerging talents and the continued success of established contenders in the Qatar horse racing scene.
12th Al Rayyan Race Meeting – Doha Cup
WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)
Doha Cup – Thoroughbred Handicap 85-105 (Class 2)
One Nation, Ahmed Al Jehani, Arnaud De Lepine
Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (60-80)
Za’eer Al Shahania, Eng. Osama Omer Al-Dafea, Soufiane Saadi
Purebred Arabian Handicap (55-75)
Taaghi, Wasim Al Sahn, Olivier d’Andigne
Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-45)
Harba Alseej, Nayef Batal Al-Otibi, Marco Casamento
Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate
AJS Kabul, Mohamed Khaled Elahmed, Youssef Lachhab
Thoroughbred Maiden Plate
Ruling Master, Gassim Al Ghazali, Marco Casamento
Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (0-65)
Al Fareq, Julian Smart, Alberto Sanna
