The Peninsula
Jockey Soufiane Saadi yesterday registered a quickfire double as he steered Ghazwan Racing’s Midrass to an impressive Mesaieed Cup triumph at Al Uqda Equestrian Complex.
The duo of Midrass and Saadi, who also led Khalid Bin Ghanem Al Kuwari’s Thunder Cat to victory in penultimate race of the day, emerged fastest in the 1400m feature for Handicap (65-85) for 4YO+ Purebred Arabians, sealing a length-and-a-half win to grab top honours.
With several horses in contention for the title late in the race, Hadi Al Ramzani-trained Midrass secured a lead and overcame a challenge from runner-up Broog, which had Lukas Delozier in the saddle, to corner the glory.
AJS Al Moheeb, ridden by Pranil Arvind Kharat, finished third in the feature after falling half-length short behind Broog.
Earlier at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) 14th Al Uqda Meeting, Saadi guided Zuhair Mohsen-trained Thunder Cat to a thrilling half-length victory in the Handicap (0-90) for 3YO Thoroughbreds with Delirious Dream and Almirgab completing the podium of 1400m run.
Jockey Marco Casamento also returned with a brace of titles yesterday after he completed his double with Triple Two Racing-owned Ikef De Bozouls. The pair went one-length clear to land the 2100m Handicap (0-85) for 4YO+ Purebred Arabians for trainer Mohammed Ghazali.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Thani’s Observing gave Casamento his first win of the day when the Gassim Ghazali-trained gelding prevailed by two- and-a-half length in the 2100m Maiden for 4-6YO Thoroughbreds – the first race of the day.
Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani’s homebred Hallab also claimed a victory yesterday, winning the 1200m Conditions for 4YO+ Local Thoroughbreds. Jockey Alberto Sanna guided the Mohamed Khaled Elahmed-trained four-year-old to a head win in the race.
Also yesterday, Mohammed Abdulhadi Al Hajri’s King Of Ice, which had Ronan Thomas in the saddle, clinched the 1400m Handicap (55-75) for 4YO+ Thoroughbreds staying three quarters of a length clear of Nasser Owaida Salem Al Hajri-owned Geno.
Action will return to Al Uqda Equestrian Complex on Wednesday for the 15th Race Meeting, featuring the Lisha Cup - Thoroughbred Handicap 70-90 (Class 3).