Mon’nia and Tarek Du Soleil land the big ones on H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Rifle Day

Mon’nia ridden by Tomas Lukasek

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H.E. Sheikha Yasmeen MK Al Thani’s Mon’Nia (Amer x Margouia) was expected to give a good account when lining up for the H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy (Gr3 Pa) (4yo & Older) on Thursday, January 28, having impressed in a fourth place in the Derby last month following her wins in the Guineas and the Oaks Trial earlier in the season. Julian Colin Smart trained mare did not disappoint as the 5yo entered the winner’s circle for the seventh time overall. With Tomas Lukasek in the saddle, Mon’nia was in her elements on the home straight in the 2200m race as she went past the post three lengths in front of Al Shaqab Racing’s group winner Al Naama (Majd Al Arab x Entisar), ridden by Soufiane Saadi for Alban Elie De Mieulle. Osama Omer Al Dafea’s C&D winner Ginkeau (Divamer x Eauvation Des Cedres) was third under Alberto Sanna.

Tarek Du Soleil ridden by Faleh Bughanaim

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Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim rode his seventh winner of the season when he guided Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik’s Tarek Du Soleil (Dahess x Musique Du Soleil) to his first victory in Qatar on Thursday. Placed on his first two outings, the Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain trained colt tracked early leaders early on in the H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy (4yo P/A) before Bughanaim whipped his mount to up the pace. Marco Casamento and his partner Hadjira De Flauzins (Josco Du Cayrou x Ishraf) gave chase in the final 50m but Tarek Du Soleil held on to his position by a neck for a fine win. Ronan Thomas ridden First Classs (Dahess x Toppoftheclass) was third.

Ateej ridden by Marco Casamento

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Mohammed Bin Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Attiya’s Ateej (AF AlBahar x Sahara Croixnoire) had won a big Gr 3 sprint earlier this month before finishing a fair second in a PA conditions. On Thursday, back up on trip to a mile, Gassim Ghazali trained horse had Marco Casamento for company in the H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Trophy (P/A). Casamento and Ateej were at the back of the pack early on, before making the move on the outside coming on to the straight. Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Efreeta tried staying toe to toe with 8yo Ateej, but the latter managed to edge her out by quarter of a length for a fine win. Tomas Lukasek ridden Methgal was third behind Ronan Thomas and Al Efreeta.

Khatafaynee ridden by Tomas Lukasek

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H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Khatafaynee (AF AlBahar x Fifth) showed some amazing turn of foot on the home straight win for the second time this season around Al Rayyan Park. Helmed by Tomas Lukasek, the Julian Colin Smart trained 5yo landed the seven furlong Local Purebred Arabian Novice Cup after making up ground on his rivals coming off the final bend and winning by a length at the post.

Khanoor ridden by Marco Casamento

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Ali Bin Thamer Bin Ali Al Mehshadi’s Khanoor (AF AlBahar x Ultimome) had shown promise on her racecourse bow when fourth last month over C&D. The Zuhair Mohsen trained filly built on that performance to land the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate on Thursday. In the mile long race on turf, Marco Casamento ridden 4yo made full use of her weight advantage to make it home with one and a half lengths to spare. In the process, the filly led a one two for Mohsen after Michael Forest rode Mubadir to second place.

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