Al Rayyan Racecourse in Doha, Qatar, hosted a thrilling day of racing yesterday, culminating in a decisive victory for Posuelo Py in the prestigious Al Kharrara Cup. Jockey Pierre Charles Boudot expertly guided the eight-year-old Purebred Arabian gelding to win the 1200m handicap, securing a significant win for owner Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Fadala and trainer Hamad Al-Jehani. The event showcased the growing prominence of Arabian horse racing in the region.
The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) organized the 36th Al Rayyan Race Meeting, attracting both local and international participants. Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, presented the trophies to the winning connections, acknowledging their achievement in the feature race and throughout the day’s competition. This meeting is a key component of Qatar’s annual racing calendar.
Posuelo Py Claims Al Kharrara Cup Victory
Despite a challenging draw on the outside, Posuelo Py demonstrated impressive speed and stamina. Boudot positioned the gelding midfield during the early stages of the race, conserving energy for a powerful finish. The horse responded brilliantly in the home straight, pulling away to win by a comfortable 1¼ lengths.
This win marks a continuation of Boudot’s successful season, solidifying his position as a leading jockey in Qatar. He wasn’t limited to just the feature race, achieving a treble on the evening with additional victories aboard La Quyood and Deauville. Boudot’s consistent performance is a notable aspect of the current racing landscape.
Other Notable Results from the Al Rayyan Race Meeting
The day’s card featured eight races, showcasing a variety of equine talent. Burkan, trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, triumphed in the 1900m Purebred Arabian Conditions race. Galeb Al Shahania, with Gassim Al Ghazali as trainer and Marco Casamento in the saddle, secured victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap.
Among the Thoroughbred races, Funny Bunny, trained by Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki and ridden by Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, won the Handicap. Tawfeeq, under the guidance of Szczepan Mazur and trainer M H K Al Attiyah, claimed the Local Thoroughbred Novice Plate. Finally, Fantastic Deal, trained by Abdulla Al-Mulla and ridden by Ivan Rossi, emerged victorious in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. These results highlight the diversity of competition at Al Rayyan Racecourse.
The success of the Al Rayyan Race Meeting underscores Qatar’s commitment to developing and promoting both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horse racing. The QREC continues to invest in facilities and events to attract top-tier competition and enhance the spectator experience. This investment is aimed at establishing Qatar as a global hub for equestrian sports.
The increasing popularity of Purebred Arabian racing is particularly noteworthy, reflecting a growing appreciation for the breed’s unique qualities and heritage. Qatar has been instrumental in preserving and promoting this traditional form of racing, and events like the Al Kharrara Cup play a vital role in its continued success. The breed’s endurance and agility were on full display during the meeting.
Looking ahead, the QREC is expected to announce the schedule for upcoming race meetings in the coming weeks. Further details regarding international participation and potential prize money increases will be closely watched by the racing community. The continued growth of the sport in Qatar will likely depend on attracting and retaining both skilled jockeys and high-quality horses.
The next major event on the Qatari racing calendar is anticipated to be the HH The Amir Sword race meeting, a highly prestigious occasion that draws significant attention from around the world. Dates and details for this event are expected to be released shortly.
Full results from the 36th Al Rayyan Race Meeting can be found on the QREC website.
