Aaley Al Magam lands Al Zubara Trophy in perfect start of H.H. The Amir Sword Festival

Aaley Al Magam ridden by JP Guillambert

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Meshaal Bin Ali Al Attiyah’s Aaley Al Magam (Amer x Abigaille) won for the first time since a C&D victory back in December 2019 when JP Guillambert guided the 9yo to a fantastic victory in the Al Zubara Trophy (Local Purebred Arabians 4yo & older) on Day 1 of the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival at Al Rayyan Park on February 18.

Saddled by Gassim Ghazali in the 2000m contest, the grey horse stayed on the rails tracking leaders for the bulk of the race, before Guillambert found a gap and lined up his mount for a straight shot at the post. As the pace increased, Injaaz Stud’s Lekhraib (AF AlBahar x Grace T), schooled by Mohammed Ghazali and ridden by Julien Auge in the feature, gave chase and stayed within striking distance of the leader. Aaley Al Magam however held on at the post to win by a head in front of Lekhraib. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Khatafaynee (AF AlBahar x Fifth) finished third under Maxime Guyon, edging out Ronan Thomas ridden Sealine by a neck.

Tahar ridden by Carlo Fiocchi

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Osama Omer Al Dafea’s Tahar (TM Fred Texas x Insaf) had shown promise on his last two C&D outings earlier this season even as a victory had eluded the 6yo for a year. On Thursday, in the Purebred Arabian Handicap (85 & below), the grey horse changed that record landing the miler in a thrilling finish. Ridden by Carlo Fiocchi in the mile long race, Tahar edged out Ronan Thomas ridden Umm Bab by a neck at the post in a frantic finish.

Antar ridden by Ronan Thomas

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Umm Qarn’s Antar (Al Mamun Monlau x Al Dahma) led a one-two for the colours and the trainer Alban Elie De Mieulle when he opened the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival with a comfortable victory in the Purebred Arabian Plate (4 Year Olds) on Thursday. Winner in the Qatar Derby (Gr3 PA) over C&D, the colt was partnered by Ronan Thomas once again and the duo beat stablemate Muqla, helmed by Soufiane Saadi, by one and a half-length at the post. The win was Antar’s third this season.

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