Al Shaqab Racing’s colours were again in the winners’ enclosure with Al Mirage (AF AlBahar) winning the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy race, a 1,400m Local Purebred Arabian contest, in Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s 19th Race Meeting at the Al Rayyan Racecourse on Thursday.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani crowned the winners of the trophy.
It was a befitting finale of the big day with a blanket finish as several runners battled it out just before the finish line that less than a length separated the first four home. Trained by Jean de Mieulle and ridden by Faleh Bughanaim, Al Mirage claimed the victory by a nose ahead of Arman.
Earlier, the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup (Purebred Arabians (Gr2 PA), 4YO+, 1,400m) was claimed by Al Wakrah in the silks of Al Shaqab Racing.
Al Wakrah waited until the final 200m of the 1,400m Purebred Arabian Race before responding to jockey Olivier d’Andigne’s call, surging to the front. In the blink of an eye, the 7YO mare hit the lead, securing a comfortable 2-length victory for trainer Jean de Mieulle.
The Ahmed Kobessi-trained Ilasad shone in Gr 3 PA Majd Al Arab Sprinter Championship while carrying the colours of Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Abdulla al-Attiya.
The 6YO continued his excellent form with a stellar performance to win the black-type contest. Ridden by Alberto Sanna, the horse clinched victory in the 1,200m race for Purebred Arabians, securing a 1½-length win. Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Kuwari, QREC Board Member, crowned the winners.
In a sensational debut, Hamas La Gloire, owned by Time Form Syndicate, claimed the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Silver Cup (Purebred Arabians, 4YOs, 1,400m) with an impressive show.
Trained by Hamad al-Jehani and ridden by Soufiane Saadi, the colt of AF AlBahar led from start to finish, taking control of the 1,400m race for 4YO Purebred Arabians and securing a well-deserved win.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani crowned the winners of the HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Silver Cup.
Wathnan Racing’s Bolthole retained the Umm Qarn Trophy in style. The son of Free Eagle delivered a brilliant performance to claim the Trophy for the second consecutive year.
Trained by Alban de Mieulle, the six-year-old showcased his class with a perfectly timed run under jockey James Doyle, surging from the outside in the final stretch to overtake the leaders and secure a clear victory in the 2,100m Thoroughbred Open Race. Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari crowned the winners.
The French King Cup (Local Thoroughbred Open Race, 4YO+, 1,400m) saw the Al Rabban Racing homebred Harb (Time Test) land the spoils to remain unbeaten this season. The six-year-old showed a fine attitude and determination to get his head in front close home. Under jockey Tomas Lukasek, the Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki-trained gelding won the 1,400m Local Thoroughbred Open Race by a neck ahead of Al Buraq.
Meshaal bin Ali al-Attiyah, ambassador of the State of Qatar to Bosnia and Herzegovina, crowned the winners. The exciting race day began with Al Jeryan Stud’s Surfers Paradise winning the Very Nice Name Cup (Thoroughbred Novice Plate, 4YO+, 1,400m)
Surfers Paradise registered an impressive 4-length win. Trained by M H K al-Attiyah and guided expertly by jockey Szczepan Mazur, the bay gelding made all in the home straight to secure a commanding victory. Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, crowned the winners.

RESULTS
19th Al Rayyan Race Meeting – HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy
WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)
1 – HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy - Local Purebred Arabian (Class 1)
Al Mirage, Jean de Mieulle, Faleh Bughanaim
2 – HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Cup - Purebred Arabian (Class 1 Gr2) International
Al Wakrah, Jean de Mieulle, Olivier d’Andigne
3 - Majd Al Arab Sprinter Championship - Purebred Arabian (Class 1 Gr3) International RaceIlasad, Ahmed Kobeissi, Alberto Sanna
4 – HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani Silver Cup - Purebred Arabian (Class 2)
Hamas La Gloire, Hamad al-Jehani, Soufiane Saadi
5 - Umm Qarn Trophy - Thoroughbred Open Race (Class 2) Win And In Shalfa Qualifier
Bolthole, Alban Elie De Mieulle, James Doyle
6 - French King Cup - Local Thoroughbred Open Race (Class 2)
Harb, Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki, Tomas Lukasek
7 - Yasmeen Cup - Thoroughbred Handicap 75-95 (Class 3) (Far Bend) Win And In Shalfa
Garden Route, Abdulla al-Mulla, Ivan Rossi
8 - Charm Spirit Cup - Thoroughbred Handicap 70-90 (Class 3)
Karakoul, M H K al-Attiyah, Szczepan Mazur
9 - Very Nice Name Cup - Thoroughbred Novice Plate (Class 5)
Surfers Paradise, M H K al-Attiyah, Szczepan Mazur