HM Al Zalmaa clinches Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches

The racing action associated with the 2024 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe started with two Arabian races for fillies and colts at Saint Cloud, Paris on Friday. In the colours of Abdulghani Al Abdulghani, HM Al Zalmaa won the Group 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches (fillies), while Mutaz clinched the Group 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains (colts).
In doing so, the two 3-year-olds have declared themselves the leaders of their generation. Following the two races, Issa bin Mohammed al-Mohannadi, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Chairman, presented the trophies to the winners.
The victory for HM Al Zalmaa (Al Mourtajez), trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte and ridden by Guillaume Guedj-Gay – who both made it a double on the card – meant the superb filly remained unbeaten.
With Algheed leading the race, HM Al Zalmaa travelled in midfield just behind the favourite Intisar De Monlau. Looking for a gap entering the final straight, the Purebred Arabian filly quickened up well, once in the clear, to grab second near the line a few lengths behind Geneva, who was disqualified as her jockey Lukas Delozier used his whip too many times. HM Al Zalmaa won by a two and a half lengths. Lady De Fraust went second. Lacaro Du Croate took third.
Winner of the Group 2 (PA) French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge - Poulains when last seen, the three-year-old colt Mutaz landed the Group 1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Poulains. The Purebred Arabian colt is owned and bred by Yas Horse Racing Management and trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeault.
In a slow run race made by Mukatel Al Shahania, the talented colt, under Guillaume Guedj-Gay, waited in rear of the peloton just ahead of two rivals. With a few lengths to find on the new leader Maqbool, the son of Munjiz, once well balanced, flew home to grab victory by a short head. Maqbool was second while HM Majdallah ran on an eye-catching third from last.

Doha wins Prix Dahlia
Runner-up of the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes when last seen, the well-bred filly Doha took the Listed Race Prix Dahlia - Fonds Europeen de l’Elevage at Saint-Cloud. Owned and bred by Al Shaqab Racing, the four-year-old is trained by Ralph Beckett and was ridden by Christophe Soumillon.
Doha travelled in midfield in a race led Heartache Tonight. Gradually closing on the leaders, Doha started to challenge inside the final 300m. The daughter of Treve found no opposition and won by one and half lengths. Legend was second while Naomi Lapaglia took third.
Races at ParisLongchamp
The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend will kick off today with nine races, including three Group 1s and three Group 2s.
Thousands of racegoers will fill the stands of the iconic racecourse today and tomorrow, which will see the big day of weekend sponsored by QREC as part of the partnership between QREC and France Galop. This sponsorship started in 2008 and will continue until 2027.

Promoting Arabian racing
The declarations for the Gr.1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Juments, which will be run today, were announced on Thursday.
Twelve 4-year-old fillies were declared, including Gr 2 winner Marwa, presented by François Rohaut, and 2023 Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches Gr 1 PA winner Norma Al Maury, trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte.
Both fillies are owned by Al Shaqab Racing and will be ridden by Christophe Soumillon and Jim Crowley respectively. Gr 1 performer Alrasha will defend the interests of Al Wasmiyah Racing and will be another representative of Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte and partnered by Dylan McMonagle. The unbeaten Etehad Al Shahania will run in the silks of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani. She will be saddled by Thomas Fourcy and steered by Lukas Delozier. Presented by François Rohaut, Mantahare will have Maxime Guyon in the saddle and will be running in the colours of HE Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Asslan Al Shahania, owned by HE Sheikha Yasmeen bint Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani, will be ridden by Aurelien Lemaitre as a third representative of Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte.

16 runners in Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Sixteen runners will go under starters orders in the Gr 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, including the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club Gr.1 winner Look de Vega who will run in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing.
The Qatar Prix du Neil Gr 2 winner Sosie, trained by Andre Fabre, is now favourite with Maxime Guyon on board. Last year’s winning jockey Cristian Demuro will try to pass the post in front for the third time with Zarakem. Shin Emperor, full brother to the 2020 Arc winner Sottsass, will try to score a first win for Japan in this race. Al Riffa will attempt to give Joseph O’Brien his first ever runner in this Group 1.