Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani-owned and bred Al Warkah showcased a brilliant late burst in final 100m of the 2000m Local Thoroughbred Handicap (50-70) to snatch victory and the Ras Rokn Island Cup in the final strides on sand at the Al Uqda Racecourse on Thursday.
The Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki-trained six-year-old mare unleashed a storming finish to edge out long-time leader Suheal Qatar by a neck under Arnaud De Lepine, who completed a double on the day.
Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi, QREC Racing Manager, crowned the winners.
Earlier, Nasser Saeed MS al-Eida’s Mystical Music, trained by Jassim Ghazali and saddled by Youssef Lachhab, galloped to win in the Thoroughbred Handicap (85-110), 4YO+, 2000m.
Lachhab also steered Toward The Sun to win in the Thoroughbred Handicap (0-85), 3YOs.
In other races, Taymoor Al Shahania was victorious in the Purebred Arabian Handicap under Fayos Martin Borja while Tomas Lukasek and Wonder Smile teamed up to win the Thoroughbred Handicap.
The meeting got underway with Arnaud De Lepine guiding Julian Smart-trained Alnood to Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate title followed by a Local Thoroughbred Handicap win for Duphor Bu Thaila under Marco Casamento.
RESULTS
12th Al Uqda Race Meeting - Ras Rokn Island Cup
WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)
1. Local Thoroughbred Handicap (50-70), 4YO+
Al Warkah, Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki, Arnaud De Lepine
2. Thoroughbred Handicap (85-110), 4YO+
Mystical Music, Jassim Ghazali, Youssef Lachhab
3. Thoroughbred Handicap (0-85), 3YOs
Toward The Sun, Hadi al-Ramzani, Youssef Lachhab
4: Purebred Arabian Handicap (60-80), 4YO+
Taymoor Al Shahania, Trainer, Mohamed Khaled Elahmed, Fayos Martin Borja
5: Thoroughbred Handicap (55-75), 3YO+
Wonder Smile, Rashid al-Jehani, Tomas Lukasek
6: Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-50), 3YO+
Duphor Bu Thaila, Fahad Rashid al-Khayarin, Marco Casamento
7 Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Filles and Mares), 4-6YOs
Alnood, Julian Smart, Arnaud De Lepine

Arnaud De Lepine pilots Al Warkah to Ras Rokn Island Cup victory at the Al Uqda Racecourse on Thursday. PICTURES: Juhaim

Connections of Al Warkah celebrate after the six-year-old mare’s win.

Arnaud De Lepine pilots Al Warkah to Ras Rokn Island Cup victory at the Al Uqda Racecourse on Thursday. PICTURES: Juhaim

Connections of Al Warkah celebrate after the six-year-old mare’s win.

Arnaud De Lepine pilots Al Warkah to Ras Rokn Island Cup victory at the Al Uqda Racecourse on Thursday. PICTURES: Juhaim

Connections of Al Warkah celebrate after the six-year-old mare’s win.