Aziz Emir's Sword photo Pamela Burton 2012
Sword presentation Al Shahania Alexandra Newman, Mgr.
March 1, 2012, Doha, Qatar ~ Julian Smart trained horses dominated on Saturday as he hit the 1,2,3 4 jackpot in Qatar’s richest race (QR 2,000,000 – US$ 550,000) on the final day of the 21st Qatar International Equestrian Festival (QIEF).
Al Shahania celebrates
Aziz (Amer x Aziza D’Aroco), ridden by jockey Darren Williams in the time of 2:40:59, grabbed the HH the Emir’s Sword title in the GR 1, 2400m, despite having a close contest at the end from Asraa Min Albarq (Amer x Akie Croix Noire), who was ridden by S Golam into second place. Third in the J Smart win, place and show was Jaafer ( Amer x Madjela), ridden by Alan Munro and fourth for Smart’s efforts was Mu’Azzaz, ridden by P Convertino.
Al Mujahaz wins Emir's Trophy photo Pamela Burton
In the earlier run, HH the Emir’s Trophy Grade 1, also contested on turf at 2400m, Al Mujahaz (Hafid Du Bac x Kerjam), ridden by Darren Williams brought in the 1st place in a time of 2:41: 47. Al Mujahez, trained by G. Mikhalides, took the lead in the home stretch, widening it to four lengths over second place, Nasir Al Naif ((Amer x Keshbah), ridden by D Baddel. Third in was Daheash (Amer x Taraza) ridden by P. Convertino. The prize total for this race was QR 1,000,000, USD $275,000).
The first race, a maiden ridden by Fegentri lady amateur riders, caused excitement when Italy’s Jessica Marcialis brought Zahi (Munzjiz x AssanaD’Aroco) home to the win the 1200m ride in a time of 1:19:25. Al Saad found second under Joanna Gustafsson
Zahi with Jessica Marcialis
and Rayeg (Opium de Ghazal x FatinUmm) came in third under French rider, Delphine Garcia-Dubois.
Fegentri Lady Riders
Arabian racing dominated four races and Thoroughbreds, three, on the seven race card.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al Thani, Chairman of the Racing & Equestrian Club (REC), and REC General Manager, Sami Jassim Al Boeniain were on hand to present the prizes, as were a score of other dignitaries.
During the Festival, QR 10.3m in prize money was incentive in the festivities held with the patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani. The racing, part of the nine- day program which began on February 23, provided an opportunity for Qatar’s top classed horses to ready for competition in Dubai’s racing competition. The QIEF is hoped to pave the way for more global participation in the International races in Qatar.
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