The Peninsula
Mohammed Abdulhadi Saad Al Hajri-owned Selected claimed a thrilling Sealine Cup triumph as jockey Tomas Lukasek bagged his second feature win in as many days at the Al Rayyan Racecourse, yesterday.
Lukasek, who guided Harab Al Naif to Asherij Cup title on Wednesday, led the four-year-old gelding – trained by Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki – to a quarter length victory over last year’s winner Taxiwala, which was ridden by Faleh Bughanaim in the 1200m run for Thoroughbred Conditions.
Marco Casamento rode Return To Senders to third place in QR100,000 feature during the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) fourth race meeting.
The win also completed a double for Lukasek and trainer Al Malki yesterday as four-year-old Aziza Al Zaeem emerged victorious in 1750m Local Thoroughbred Handicap.
Meanwhile, Sharida bin Nasser bin Sharida Al Kaabi’s Shgarde was fastest in 1500m Purebred Arabian Handicap, claiming a half-length win over Akmar in day’s penultimate race carrying a prize purse of QR60,000. Alberto Sanna piloted the four-year-colt to win in an exciting race.
Earlier, jockey Hugo Besnier completed a treble with quick wins, kicking off the day by guiding Hamad Al Jehani-trained Admiraal to 2½ length win in Thoroughbred Maiden Plate.
Besnier then saddled up with Al Shaqab Racing-owned Aajel to a half length victory in 1500m Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate before sealing the hat-trick by riding Khalid Yousuf Al Jehani owned Kabeer to Purebred Arabian Novice Plate title.
Jockey Marco Casamento also bagged a victory yesterday as he teamed up with Mohammed bin Hamad Khalifa Al Attiyah-owned Majalh for a 1½ length win in Thoroughbred Conditions after Szczepan Mazur led AJS Medawi to Purebred Arabian Novice Plate title.