Doha, Qatar – Taymoor Al Shahania secured a thrilling victory in the Qetaifan Cup, a prestigious Purebred Arabian Conditions race at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday. The four-year-old colt, owned by Al Bida Racing, demonstrated impressive resilience to claim the win over a competitive field. This victory marks a significant achievement for the connections of Taymoor Al Shahania and adds to the growing prominence of Arabian horse racing in Qatar.
The race, held on November 23rd, saw Taymoor Al Shahania, expertly ridden by Alberto Sanna, overtake the leading Naseeb Zakhir in the final strides, winning by a short head. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented the trophies following the exciting conclusion to the event. The meeting featured a total of nine races, showcasing the breadth of talent within Qatar’s racing community.
Taymoor Al Shahania’s Victory Highlights Arabian Racing Excellence
The Qetaifan Cup is a key event in the Purebred Arabian racing calendar, attracting top horses and jockeys from across the region. Taymoor Al Shahania’s win underscores the dedication to breeding and training high-quality Arabian horses within Qatar. The colt is trained by Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, who has a proven track record of success in developing promising young horses.
A Close Finish and Strategic Ride
The race itself was a tightly contested affair. Naseeb Zakhir set a strong pace, but Taymoor Al Shahania remained within striking distance throughout. Alberto Sanna’s timing proved crucial, unleashing a perfectly timed run that allowed Taymoor Al Shahania to surge forward in the final moments. The narrow margin of victory highlights the competitive nature of Purebred Arabian racing.
Additionally, the Al Uqda Racecourse continues to establish itself as a premier venue for equestrian events in Qatar. The facility provides a world-class environment for both horses and riders, contributing to the growth of the sport. The QREC invests heavily in maintaining and improving the racecourse, ensuring it meets the highest standards.
Other Notable Results from the Al Uqda Meeting
Beyond the Qetaifan Cup, several other races provided exciting action. Moharb, trained by Gassim Al Ghazali and ridden by Marco Casamento, won the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-65). Duke Of Monlau, with Mohammed Al Ghazali as trainer and Damien Morin as jockey, secured victory in the Purebred Arabian Handicap (65-85). These results demonstrate the diversity of talent within Qatar’s racing scene, encompassing both Thoroughbred and Arabian breeds.
Meanwhile, Mawhob, trained by Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hajri and ridden by Salman Fahad Al-Hajri, claimed the Thoroughbred Handicap 55-75. Further down the card, Thahan, trained by Saeed Al Shafi and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, won the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (0-65). These victories showcase the depth of competition and the skill of the trainers and jockeys involved.
The success of these races contributes to the overall appeal of horse racing in Qatar, attracting both local and international interest. The QREC actively promotes the sport, aiming to position Qatar as a leading hub for equestrian activities. This includes hosting prestigious events and investing in the development of local talent. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club plays a vital role in the organization and promotion of these events.
Looking ahead, racing action will resume on Wednesday at the Al Rayyan Racecourse, featuring the Ras Laffan Cup. The Ras Laffan Cup is another highly anticipated event, promising further thrilling competition. The performance of horses like Taymoor Al Shahania will be closely watched as they prepare for future challenges. The continued success of these races will depend on maintaining high standards of training, breeding, and racecourse management.
