Living upto its top billing, Al Dahma overcame stiff resistance from Jaffer to lift the coveted Qatar International Trophy, a Group I Pure Arabian race, which was the plum event of Thursday’s races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.
In the process, the Alban de Mieulle-ward took home a rich purse of US $500,000, the prize money which comes second only to Emir Cup sword race which fetches a million.
“To come back and win like this is something special. She has always been a champion and will remain so,” said jockey David Bouland, while talking about Al Dahma’s comeback win. It may be recalled in this context that Al Dahma was troubled by an injury to her right front leg and was out of the race track for almost a year.
With an amazing run, Al Dahma showed that she is the best by reigning supreme in a strong field which had a number of quality horses and riders in the fray. A stand out feature of Al Dahma’s victory was the way in which she stretched away in the final furlong to win the 1,600 metres event in a timing of one minute 43.68. seconds.
“Last year one week before the Emir Sword race, in a practice gallop, Al Dahma pulled up lame. She had suffered triple fractures in her right front leg. It was a very serious injury. It has taken one year of therapy and healing. In her last run, Al Dahma was a little bit short on work in her first outing over 2000 metres. She had come out well after that run and we were confident that she would regain her winning touch. It is a miracle because given an injury of this nature it is one in a million chance that a horse can ever come to competitive racing,” said Umm Qarn Farms veterinarian Dr Anil Prabhu.
The victory was a shot in the arm for the owners Umm Qarn Farms.
“I am very pleased today with the manner in which Al Dahma won. She has come back very well. I had expected the finish to be fast and Al Dahma was upto the task. General also ran a brilliant race. He is the horse of the future,” said trainer Alban de Mieulle about his proud ward.
Godolphin Stables’ Age Of Reason, sped away from his rivals to romp home in the Qatar International Cup for Thoroughbreds. Jockey Ted Durcan was brilliant on the saddle as he timed his challenge to a nicety. Once into top gear, Age Of Reason sped away and had no challenge whatsoever from anybody.
Irish lass Catherine Macmahon steered Jassim al-Ghazali schooled Al Adaid to glory in the Fegentri race for women riders which was one of the highlights of the four day Qatar International Equestrian Festival which concluded on Thursday.
Akhhal led the field till the final furlong but once Al Adaid warmed up, there was no stopping the well bred son of Amer who charged home. Haizum was second ahead of Akhhal while Shadhah finished third.
 “This a great place with a brilliant race track and the facilities are also excellent. I hope to come back again. Everything well in the race and it was not very difficult for me as the horse was very good. The trainer was confident that Al Adaid would win and all I had to do was steer him to the winning post,” said an elated jockey Macmahon.