Angelic Queen lands Al Ghariya Cup

Doha: Angelic Queen, with Lukas Delozier in the saddle, clinched Al Ghariya Cup glory in a dominant fashion as the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) new season kicked off with thrilling races at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. 

A tough battle was expected in the season-opening feature for Thoroughbreds (Fillies & Mares) but Mohammed Ghazali-trained Angelic Queen – owned by Al Azraq Stable – stormed to a comfortable three-length victory over Keel Bay, steered by Tomas Lukasek in the QR100,000 race. 

Defending champion, Unbutton, helmed by JP Guillambert, finished third in the 1200m race.

Earlier, Roman Melody, led by jockey Hugo Besnier, was fastest in the Thoroughbred Open Race. 

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club's Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi with the connection of Angelic Queen, winner of Al Ghariya Cup.

The five-year-old, owned by Injaaz Stud, raced to a half length victory, ensuring second win of the day for Besnier, who also won the first race yesterday.         

In tough Purebred Arabian Handicap, Shaweesh emerged victorious by a neck, giving trainer Hamad Al Jehani his second victory on the first day of the season. 

Arnaud De Lepine rode the seven-year-old in 1700m race.      

Also yesterday, Al Shaqab Racing-owned Hazzam, guided by Faleh Bughanaim, displayed a lightning pace to bag the Purebred Arabian Novice Plate, clinching the victory by one and three quarters of a length over Wilyan, which was ridden by Szczepan Mazur.        

Meanwhile, Hadi Al Ramzani-trained Alzubarah Katara, with Giuseppe Cultraro in the saddle, also started the season on a winning note, landing Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate for Fillies & Mares with three and a half length win. 

In thrilling Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, Faisal bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Attiya-owned Aziza Al Zaeem claimed victory after edging Al Warkah by three quarters of a length. The four-year-old filly was ridden by Lukasek while Alberto Sanna rode Al Warkah. 

The racing season kicked off with Silks Dream, guided by Besnier, notching up a dominating victory in Thoroughbred Maiden Plate – yesterday’s first race. 

The three-year-old bay colt, trained by Hamad Al Jehani outsmarted La Megalodon, ridden by Sanna, by seven and quarter of a length in 1700m race to set the pace for pulsating opening day’s action.

Today’s schedule includes eight races with Equinoxe set to defend the Al Hamla Cup title.    

WINNERS (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)

Al Ghariya Cup - Thoroughbreds (Fillies & Mares) (Class 2)
Angelic Queen, Mohammed Ghazali, Lukas Delozier
Thoroughbred Open Race (Class 2)
Roman Melody, Gassim Ghazali, Hugo Besnier
Purebred Arabian Handicap 70-90
Shaweesh, Hamad Al-Jehani, Arnaud De Lepine
Purebred Arabian Novice Plate
Hazzam, Eric Lemartinel, Faleh Bughanaim
Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Fillies & Mares) 
Alzubarah Katara, Hadi Al Ramzani, Giuseppe Cultraro 
Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate
Aziza Al Zaeem, Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Tomas Lukasek
Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (Class 6)
Silks Dream, Hamad Al Jehani, Hugo Besnier