Arman And RB Mary Lylah Secure Top Honours

Doha, Qatar: Arman wrapped up an exciting evening at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday, clinching the mile contest for 3YO+ Local Purebred Arabians by a short head to land the Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Trophy.

Trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by James Doyle, the victory highlighted the horse's determination in a tightly contested feature race.

Minister of Sports and Youth H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani in the presence of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Vice Chairman Rashid bin Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi, presented the trophy to Ali bin Yousef Al Kubaisi who received it on behalf of Wathnan Racing.

Wathnan Racing's Arman and jockey James Doyle on their way to win the Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Trophy at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday.

Earlier, in the Grade 2 Qatar National Day Trophy as RB Mary Lylah produced a devastating turn of foot in the home straight.

The five-year-old mare surged clear under Doyle to win by six lengths in the 4YO+ Purebred Arabians contest.

H E Sheikh Hamad, in the presence of Al Kaabi, presented the trophy to Ali bin Yousef Al Kubaisi, representing Wathnan Racing.

The victory marked a commanding performance for trainer Alban de Mieulle and secured a consecutive retention of the title, following last year's success with Jabalah.

During the nine-race meet, Simca Mille made a stylish return to Qatar by winning the QA Gr3 Al Safliya Cup, a 2350m contest for 4YO+ Thoroughbreds. Drawn barrier 1, the six-year-old chestnut displayed composure and strength to win by 11⁄2 lengths under Doyle, capping a quick-fire double for the connections.

The connections of RB Mary Lylah pose for a photo after the Wathnan Racing-owned five-year-old mare won the Qatar National Day Trophy.

Doha Bu Thaila claimed the Local Thoroughbred Open Race for 3YO+ over 2000m, holding off rivals with a decisive 11⁄2-length victory under Soufiane Saadi.

Abdulrahman bin Mansour Al Mansour, QREC Board Member, presented the Al Halul Island Cup to Ali bin Yousef Al Kubaisi.

The four-year-old bay filly preserved the winning combination that had triumphed in the same race last year with Equinoxe.

Thor's Hammer returned to winning form in the Al Busayyir Cup, a 1600m Thoroughbred Conditions contest for 3YO+. Drawn widest, the four-year-old bay gelding tracked the leaders before producing a late surge to win by a short head, with jockey Alberto Sanna completing a double for the evening. Ahmed Amanalla Al-Sheebani, QREC Deputy CEO, presented the trophy to Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah on behalf of Al Rufaa Racing.

James Doyle guides Wathnan Racing's RB Mary Lylah to win the Qatar National Day Trophy.

In the Falcon Cup, veteran Taxiwala retained his title in the 3YO+ Thoroughbred Conditions sprint over 1200m. The eight-year-old kicked clear in the final 200m under Lukas Delozier to win by 11⁄2 lengths, taking his season tally to two victories from three starts and his career total to 21 wins. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh Al Thani presented the trophy to Eng. Osama Omer Al-Dafea, owner and trainer of Taxiwala.

Other results from the day included Taftan winning the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (1600m) by 41⁄4 lengths with Pierre Charles Boudot aboard; Labwa De Carrere (FR) taking the Purebred Arabian Handicap (75-95, 1600m) by a head under Fayos Martin Borja; and Taymoor Al Shahania claiming the Purebred Arabian Conditions (1200m) by a neck with Alberto Sanna in the saddle.

MENAFN14122025000063011010ID1110477716