Luwsail delivered another standout performance on Thursday, adding a prestigious Group 1 PA victory to his resume with a hard-fought win in the Qatar Gold Sword at Al Uqda Racecourse. The five-year-old displayed remarkable determination and stamina, battling all the way to the line to clinch the title by a neck from the impressive runner-up, Moshrif.
Bred and owned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Jean de Mieulle, and ridden by Pierre-Charles Boudot – who completed a treble on the day – Luwsail’s victory further cements his reputation at the highest level of Purebred Arabian racing.
HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani presented the coveted Qatar Gold Sword to Khalifa bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, who accepted the award on behalf of Al Shaqab Racing.
Meanwhile, Bolthole successfully defended his title in the QA Gr1 Qatar Gold Trophy, claiming the prestigious prize for a second consecutive year with a gutsy performance. Tracking the leader closely, he made his move at the home turn and dug deep in the closing stages to fend off a determined challenge. Owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Alban de Mieulle, and also ridden by Boudot, Bolthole once again proved his quality. Stablemate Jeff Koons (Frankel) finished a strong second, giving Wathnan Racing an impressive one-two finish. QREC Board Member Abdulrahman bin Mansour al-Mansour crowned the winners.
Earlier in the day, Ghara, after a string of near-misses, finally found her winning stride with a powerful surge in the final 100 metres to claim the Qatar Silver Sword for 4YO Purebred Arabians by 1½ lengths. Trained by Hamad al-Jehani and ridden by Lukas Delozier, the bay filly delivered a well-earned victory for owner Al Wasmiyah Farm. QREC Board Member Khalifa bin Mohammed al-Attiyah presented the trophies to the connections.
In the Qatar Silver Trophy for Local Purebred Arabians, Hadlan produced a commanding performance. The six-year-old raced with authority from the start and displayed an electric turn of foot in the final stages to win by 1¾ lengths. Trained by Wasim al-Sahn for owner Abdullah bin Saeed Abdullah al-Mesnad, Hadlan was expertly guided by Boudot, who completed a memorable day in the saddle. QREC Director of Support Services Department, Ahmed al-Sheebani, crowned the winners.
41st Al Rayyan Race Meeting - Qatar Gold Sword and Trophy (Div2)
Winners: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)
1 - Qatar Gold Sword - Purebred Arabian (Class 1 Gr1) International race
Luwsail, Jean de Mieulle, Pierre Charles Boudot
2 - Qatar Gold Trophy - Thoroughbred (Class 1 QA-Gr1) International race
Bolthole, Alban Elie De Mieulle, Pierre Charles Boudot
3 - Qatar Silver Sword - 4yo Purebred Arabian (Class 1)
Ghara, Hamad al-Jehani, Lukas Delozier
4 - Qatar Silver Trophy - Local Purebred Arabian (Class 1)
Hadlan, Wasim al-Sahn, Pierre Charles Boudot

Connections of Bolthole pose with the trophies after the horse successfully defended his title in the QA Group 1 Qatar Gold Trophy.

Pierre-Charles Boudot celebrates after riding five-year-old Luwsail to victory at Al Uqda Racecourse on Thursday. PICTURE: Juhaim

HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani presented the coveted Qatar Gold Sword to Khalifa bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, who accepted the award on behalf of Al Shaqab Racing after Luwsail’s victory at the Al Uqda Racecourse on Thursday.