Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Ghadeer repeated last year’s victory in the Group 1 Qatar International Stakes on the second day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival on Wednesday.
Al Ghadeer’s win on Wednesday in the Group 1 contest for Purebred Arabians was the first step towards the five-year-old regaining the Doha Triple Crown, which it completed last time. Making his seasonal debut on Wednesday, Al Ghadeer was given an easy return to the track by jockey Christophe Soumillon, who barely moved as the Al Shaqab Racing-owned horse won convincingly.
Cantering easily entering the final straight, the colt went clear despite a late challenge from Al Wakrah (Tm Fred Texas). Al Ghadeer found more power without forcing his talent and won by one length. Owner-companion Al Wakrah was a good second giving Al Shaqab Racing a memorable one-two. Ska De L’Aigle (Al Mourtajez) took third.
Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani presented the trophy of the Qatar International Stakes to HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan al-Thani, who was representing Al Shaqab Racing. Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saoud al-Thani, ambassador of Qatar to UK, presented the trophies to trainer Francois Rohaut and jockey Soumillon.
Winner of six Group 1 (Purebred Arabians), the incredible colt Al Ghadeer was making a return to the track for the first time since winning the HH The Amir Sword earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the feature event of the day at Goodwood – the QREC-sponsored £1mn Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes was won by Notable Speech for owners Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick. HE Sheikh Joaan crowned the winners of the connections of Notable Speech.
Ridden by William Buick, Notable Speech tracked the favourite Henry Longfellow (Dubawi) who led at a good pace alongside Sonny Liston (Lawman).
Waiting for the cutaway on the final straight, Notable Speech quickened well when the gap appeared to lead inside the final furlong and beat Maljoom (Caravaggio) by one and half a length. Facteur Cheval (Ribchester) took third. In the British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies Handicap for three-year-old+ fillies over 2000m, the Al Shaqab Racing-owned Al Anoud (Kingsman x Jadhaba) impressed with a strong finish to score for the third time in her fifth career start.
The four-year-old filly is trained by Ralph Beckett and was ridden by Hector Crouch.
HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan al-Thani, received the trophy of the British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies Handicap from Ed Harper, Director of Whitsbury Manor Stud and Trustee of the British EBF.
In the Coral Daily Rewards Shaker Handicap, French Duke (Sea The Stars x Duchess Of France) scored in impressive fashion for Wathnan Racing.
Under an excellent ride from James Doyle, the Roger Varian-trained colt proved the best in the 2400m race for three year olds.
