Studio City delivered a commanding performance at Al Uqda Racecourse in Doha yesterday, securing victory in the 2000m Thoroughbred Handicap and claiming the prestigious Lisha Cup. The six-year-old chestnut colt, owned by Faleh Suwayed Al Ajami, finished a decisive 3¼ lengths ahead of the competition, marking his second win in just three starts this campaign. The event showcased strong performances across multiple races, highlighting the growing prominence of equestrian sports in Qatar.
The race, held at the Al Uqda Racecourse, saw Studio City expertly guided by jockey Lukas Delozier and trained by Mohammed Al Ghazali. Head of Racing Operations at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Rashid Saed Adiba, presented the Lisha Cup to the winning connections, acknowledging their achievement in this key Thoroughbred event. The day’s racing featured a diverse range of contests, including both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian races.
Dominating Performance in the Thoroughbred Handicap
Studio City’s victory was particularly noteworthy for its authoritative nature. The horse settled comfortably in third position early in the race, strategically tracking the leaders before unleashing a powerful run in the home straight. This tactical approach, combined with the horse’s evident stamina, proved to be the winning formula. Trainer Mohammed Al Ghazali secured his third win of the evening with Studio City’s success, demonstrating his skill and expertise.
Additional Race Highlights
Beyond the feature Handicap, several other races captivated audiences. Weissmuller, trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and ridden by Pierre Charles Boudot, narrowly won the Thoroughbred Handicap (85-105) by a head, showcasing a thrilling finish. Al-Yaseen Zakhir, under Alberto Sanna, triumphed in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (75-95), adding to the diversity of winners on the day.
Samsa Al Shahania secured a comfortable win in the Purebred Arabian Novice Plate, while Temple Of Hera and Noble Patron also claimed victories in their respective Thoroughbred Handicaps. Taimoor prevailed in the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (0-65), and Dance Acclaim secured a win in the Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60), both under the guidance of Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi. My George rounded out the day with a strong performance in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for three-year-olds.
The consistent success of trainers like Mohammed Al Ghazali, who secured multiple wins, underscores the increasing depth of talent within Qatar’s racing community. The presence of international jockeys, such as Pierre Charles Boudot, further elevates the standard of competition and attracts wider attention to Qatari equestrian events. The day also highlighted the strength of local Arabian horse breeding programs, with several Purebred Arabian races featuring competitive fields.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club continues to invest in developing both Thoroughbred and Arabian racing, aiming to establish the nation as a prominent hub for equestrian sports. This commitment is reflected in the quality of facilities at Al Uqda Racecourse and the increasing participation of both local and international competitors. The club’s efforts are also focused on promoting horse ownership and encouraging the development of young riders and trainers. The increasing popularity of horse racing in Qatar is also driving growth in related industries, such as equine veterinary services and breeding.
Looking ahead, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club is expected to announce the schedule for upcoming races in the coming weeks. Further investment in infrastructure and talent development is anticipated, with a focus on attracting more international participation and enhancing the overall quality of racing events. The continued success of events like the Lisha Cup will be crucial in solidifying Qatar’s position on the global equestrian stage. The performance of young horses and emerging jockeys will be a key area to watch in future competitions, as will the evolving strategies employed by leading trainers in the racing circuit.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club
Horse Racing Planet
Racing Post
Emirates Racing
