Glory Of The Stars Triumphs in Lusail Cup at Al Uqda Racecourse

DOHA: Glory Of The Stars showcased her exceptional talent by winning the Lusail Cup for 3-year-old and older Thoroughbred fillies and mares, held over 1,200 meters at Al Uqda Racecourse on March 15, 2024. This victory marks her second consecutive win of the season, solidifying her status as a leading competitor in the racing circuit.

The five-year-old bay mare, owned by Eng. Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik and trained by Debbie Mountain, demonstrated remarkable determination. Approaching the final 300 meters, she was positioned at the back of the field. However, a powerful late surge directed by jockey Jefferson Smith enabled her to sweep past her competitors, ultimately winning by a decisive margin of 1¼ lengths.

Notable Performances from Other Races

The Lusail Cup was part of a vibrant meeting that included several other competitive races. Earlier in the day, Sun Amer, trained by Bader Al Balushi and ridden by Soufiane Saadi, executed a strong front-running tactic to secure victory in the Purebred Arabian Conditions race. This win highlighted the horse’s speed and stamina.

In the Purebred Arabian Handicap (70–90), Nah’ash Al Shahania, under the guidance of trainer Rudy Nerbonne and jockey Lukas Delozier, showcased impressive agility, finishing the race with authority. This performance underscored the horse’s capability in a competitive field.

The meeting also highlighted emerging talents. Court Poet, trained by Nayef Batal Al-Otibi and ridden by Maikon De Souza, excelled in the Thoroughbred Novice Plate. Displaying both speed and maturity, Court Poet pulled ahead in the closing stages, captivating the audience.

Exciting Races and Fresh Talent

In the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0–50), Achika demonstrated resilience, with trainer Yousef Al-Jumaily and jockey Fayos Martin Borja guiding the horse to a commendable finish. Meanwhile, Awamir, representing trainer Zuhair Mohsen and jockey Pierre Charles Boudot, dominated the Purebred Arabian Handicap (50–70) with a well-timed run that left an impression on spectators.

The day’s events commenced with the Thoroughbred Rated Maiden Plate, where Corpus Juris, trained by Gassim Al Ghazali and ridden by Marco Casamento, broke through to achieve his first career victory in a stylish manner.

The Lusail Cup and accompanying races not only showcased established contenders but also highlighted the potential of up-and-coming horses in the world of equestrian sports. The event culminated with the winning connections receiving their trophies from Rashid Saed Adiba, Head of Racing Operations at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.