Doha, Qatar – Tiding, skillfully ridden by Marco Casamento, secured a decisive victory in the 2800m Khor Al Adaid Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. The Thoroughbred contest, a QA Group 3 event, marked a return to form for the five-year-old chestnut and represented a significant win for both trainer Gassim Al Ghazali and owner Sheikh Abdul Rahman Rashid Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Thani. This Khor Al Adaid Cup win is Tiding’s first Group victory of the season.
The race, held at the Al Rayyan Racecourse, saw Tiding overcome a competitive field to win by 2½ lengths. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented the trophy to Sheikh Abdul Rahman following the impressive performance. The victory adds to a successful evening for Al Ghazali and Casamento, who also secured a win earlier in the meeting.
Tiding’s Commanding Performance in the Khor Al Adaid Cup
Tiding demonstrated a powerful finishing kick, reeling in the leading horse in the home straight and quickly establishing a clear advantage. The horse’s performance showcased its stamina and Casamento’s expert handling. This win is Tiding’s second success from five starts this season, indicating consistent form and potential for further success in upcoming races.
According to reports from the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, the conditions at Al Rayyan Racecourse were ideal for racing, contributing to the competitive spirit of the event. The track was reported to be in excellent condition, allowing horses to perform at their best.
Additional Wins at Al Rayyan Racecourse
The race meeting featured several other notable performances. Al Ghazali and Casamento began their successful evening with a win in the Thoroughbred Fillies and Mares race, courtesy of September Leaves. This early victory set the stage for their later triumph in the feature Khor Al Adaid Cup.
Meanwhile, Al Fareeq emerged victorious in the Silver Sword Trial for 4YO Purebred Arabians. Ridden by Faleh Bughenaim and trained by Julian Smart, Al Fareeq secured a narrow win by a quarter of a length in the 2000m contest. Owner Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari accepted the prize following the thrilling finish. This race serves as a key preparation event for the prestigious Silver Sword race.
The Silver Sword Trial is a significant event in the Purebred Arabian racing calendar, often attracting top contenders vying for a spot in the main Silver Sword race. The performance of Al Fareeq suggests it could be a strong competitor in future Purebred Arabian contests. The success of both Al Fareeq and Tiding highlights the growing strength of Arabian horse racing in Qatar.
The Al Rayyan Racecourse continues to be a central hub for equestrian sport in Qatar, hosting regular race meetings and attracting both local and international participants. The event drew a sizable crowd, demonstrating the continued popularity of horse racing within the country. Horse racing remains a prominent cultural and sporting activity in Qatar.
Looking ahead, both Tiding and Al Fareeq are expected to continue their racing campaigns, with potential appearances in upcoming Group races. The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club will likely announce their future schedules in the coming weeks. The performance of these horses will be closely watched by racing enthusiasts and industry professionals as they aim for further success on the track. The next major event on the calendar is the Silver Sword race, where Al Fareeq will aim to build on its recent trial victory.
The continued development of equestrian facilities and the support for local trainers and jockeys are expected to further enhance the quality of racing in Qatar. The focus will remain on attracting top talent and promoting the sport to a wider audience. The future of Thoroughbred racing and Purebred Arabian racing in Qatar appears promising.
