The Peninsula
Qatari-owned horses dazzled the crowds, scoring three victories, including two black type ones, at Newbury on Sunday.
Back on European soil after a successful winter in Doha, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned Gazwan (Amer) easily won the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes (Gr1 PA).
H E Sherida Al Kaabi’s Shabih Alreeh (Jaafer Asf) led the field, followed by Jaldi Karo (Jehol de Cardonne) while Al Shaqab Racing’s Melabi (Dahess) and Gazwan travelled at the rear. Once Gazwan was pulled out and asked to accelerate by his jockey, Olivier Peslier, he flew away to win the 2000-metre contest. Melabi took second pace in front of Mehdaaf Athbah (Amer). Gazwan, with this victory under his belt, has provided his trainer, Julian Smart, with a fifth success in the Shadwell Dubai International Stakes in eleven years.
“He’s a superstar. What more can I say about him! He’s run with the best, he’s beaten the best, he’s 8 years old and he’s still going! The plan is to go perhaps to the Prix Dragon – Qatar Cup (Gr1 PA) if I think he needs it, and then the big one. He’s not a horse that need a lot of racing. He’s going to have a bit of downtime now, and then we’ll see,” commented Julian Smart.
Meanwhile, Methgal (TM Fred Texas), also owned by H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, landed the Diar International Stakes (Gr3 PA) less than two hour earlier at the same racecourse.
Seventh on his debut in Chantilly at the end of June in the Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes (Gr1 PA), the Julian Smart-trained colt stepped back down in distance and left no chance to his rivals, winning the 1400-metre run by just over six lengths.
The race was led by Munhamer (Monsieur Al Maury). Methgal had to negotiate his way through a wall of horses before showing an impressive turn of foot, which only Al Shaqab Racing’s Traynah (Dahor de Brugère) was able to follow to take second place.
“We were very disappointed after his race in Chantilly”, said Julian Smart, “He just wasn’t ready. He really improved a lot since that race. He is only a 3yo and works with horses like Ebraz (Amer) and Gazwan (Amer), so I knew his level. I knew he would run well today, but like he did… I am really happy!”
Al Shaqab Racing’s Kair Al Cham won the UAE Embassy in London International Stakes earlier on the day. Jean-Bernard Eyquem steered the Thomas Fourcy-saddled four-year-old colt to win the 2000-metre race for pure Arabians.