Meriem Guettat
HH The Amir Sword features the biggest meetings on the Qatari equestrian calendar, took place at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, from the 20-22nd of February, culminating in two of the very best races staged - HH the Amir trophy, and HH the Amir sword - group 1 competitions for the thoroughbreds and purebred Arabians respectively, as well as Al Shaqab Showjumping (Big Tour).
HH the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the winners of the Amir's Sword 2020 for the Show Jumping category, with Salman Al Emadi claiming the Amir Sword, and Mubarak Al Hajri in second place, while Faleh Al Ajmi placed 3rd.
On the opening race on day 3, Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad Al Thani-bred & owned SURRA MAN RAA (QA) lands Al Rayyan Breeders Cup (Local 4YO+ TBs/10f). The 5YO Bay was trained by Ibrahim Al Malki and ridden by Soufiane Saadi.
Race 2 HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned METHGAL (FR) wins the Qatar International Cup (GR1 PA) (4YO+). The Julian Smart-trained 4YO was ridden by Maxime Guyon for his 3rd success in Qatar.
Race 3 Abdulhadi Mana Al Hajri-owned DARK PURSUIT (GB) wins Dukhan Sprint (QA Gr3) which was sponsored by Breeders' Cup (3YO+ TBS / 6f). Trained by Stefano Ibido and ridden by Luca Maniezzi.
Race 4 saw Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari-owned SIR ARTHUR DAYNE (IRE)[B], trained by Gassim Ghazali takes Al Biddah Mile (QA Gr2) (3YO TBs/mile), making it Oisin Murphy's first win in Qatar.
Race 5 Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari-owned AL MALHOUF (GB) lands the HH The Amir Shalfa (Class 1 Handicap 4YO/85+/TBs+/ 10f). The Fabrice Chappet-trained 5YO was ridden by Cristophe Soumillon on his Qatar debut.
Race 6 Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari-owned LADY PRINCESS (FR) proved hard to beat, landing the HH The Amir Silver Sword, sponsored by Ooredoo (P/As–1750m). Thomas Fourcy-trained, she was ridden by Cristophe Soumillon.
Race 7 HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned FRENCH KING (GB) wins HH The Amir Trophy (Gr1 QA) presented by Longines (4YO TBs/2400m) for the 2nd year straight. Henri Pantall-trained, and ridden by Olivier Peslier.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani-owned EBRAZ (GB) retained HH the Amir Sword (Gr1 PA), sponsored by Al Hazm making it his 2nd consecutive win. EBRAZ was trained by Julian Smart and ridden by Maxime Guyon in The Amir Sword 2020 finale.
The event saw a number of sponsors, QNB was the title sponsor, while DAAM is the supporting sponsor, Al Hazm/Al Emadi Enterprise as HH The Amir Sword race sponsors, Longines as official timekeeper and HH The Amir Trophy Sponsor, Ooredoo HH The Silver Sword race, and Qatar Airways as the official carrier.