AJS Wathanan bolted to a scintillating victory in the The Late Rabiah Saad Al-Kaabi Cup

AJS Wathanan ridden by Alberto Sanna

Al Ghazali Stud’s AJS Wathanan (Amer x Mangaline Du Loup) was well held on his C&D season opener in October. But that proved to be no benchmark for the Gassim Mohammad Ghazali saddled gelding as the 8yo bolted to a scintillating victory in the The LATE RABIAH SAAD AL-KAABI CUP (LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN CONDITIONS) at the dirt track in Al Rayyan Park on December 2. Alberto Sanna was astride the grey gelding for the first time and the duo were unstoppable as they surged forward to a healthy advantage, eventually winning by a dominant six lengths in front of Umm Qarn’s Mehdi (Majd Al Arab x Jaljalah), helmed by Michael Forest for trainer Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle. Another De Mieulle ward, Sealine (Amer x Jaljalah), completed the top three five and three quarters lengths behind under Ronan Thomas.

Mansoor Ebrahim Al Mahmoud’s Al Neksh (Amer x Redjila) was well held on his past three outings on dirt, with his turf runs showing promise. On Wednesday, that changed for Gassim Mohammad Ghazali trained 6yo as the grey horse entered the winner’s enclosure for first time since April of 2019. With Qatari jockey Ali Khalid Al Mosallam in the saddle, the 6yo managed to hold his own over the 1900m PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (100 & below) beating Carlos Henrique ridden Tasslam by two lengths.

Al Neksh ridden by Ali Khalid Al Mosallam

Stepping down in distance from earlier efforts saw Abdulaziz Hamad Ateeq Al Marri’s Lama (Hatteen x Ahazeej) improve dramatically when she shed her maiden status over C&D last week. On Wednesday, in the LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE PLATE, the 4yo filly was once again partnered by Qatari apprentice rider Ali Khalid Al Mosallam and the duo breezed past the competition and the post for their second straight victory together. The grey filly won the 1100m run by five and a half lengths.

Lama ridden by Ali Khalid Al Mosallam

Umm Qarn’s Khaldoun (Al Mamun Monlau x Farraaha) has only improved since his sixth place finish on debut in October. The 4yo hit the frame a month ago over C&D and finally stepped into the winner’s enclosure on Wednesday in dominant fashion. Ridden by Ronan Thomas for trainer Alban Elie Marie De Mieule in the PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE, the grey colt had little trouble stamping his authority and topping the 1900m run on dirt by seven and three quarters lengths at the post.

Khaldoun ridden by Ronan Thomas

Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club / Photos: QREC-Juhaim