Alkass English
Nasser Al Shahania produced a strong late charge to win the Eraida Cup, highlighting an exciting eight-race programme at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday evening. The meeting also featured outstanding performances, most notably a four-timer by jockey Faleh Bughenaim.
The feature race, a Purebred Arabian Handicap over 2200m, saw Nasser Al Shahania deliver an impressive run for Al Shahania Stud and trainer Rudy Nerbonne. Ridden by Lukas Delozier, the six-year-old stayed near the rear early as the pace changed several times, with Medan and later Lattam setting the tempo.
Approaching the home turn, Nasser Al Shahania moved strongly into contention before taking the lead, soon challenged by stablemate Caid Du Soleil. The pair pulled clear of the field, and after a sustained duel in the final 200m, Nasser Al Shahania held on to win by half a length, finishing well ahead of the rest.
Earlier in the evening, Bughenaim dominated the card with four victories. His run began with Nahar, who returned to winning form in Race 3, followed by Delirious Dream, who secured his first win of the season with a well-timed finish.
Big Song then delivered Bughenaim’s third win of the night, showing a strong turn of speed to claim his first victory in Qatar, before Mohimma completed the four-timer with a powerful late surge in Race 6.
Other highlights included Al Wazeer winning on debut in the opening race despite a wide draw, while Taftan edged a close finish in the Purebred Arabian Open Race. Jenkille Hipolyte later returned to winning form, giving jockey Arnaud de Lepine a double on the card.
60th Al Uqda Race Meeting – Al Rayyan (Eraida Cup) Winners
Race 1 – Eraida Cup, Purebred Arabian Handicap (80–100):?Winner: Nasser Al Shahania – Trainer: Rudy Nerbonne – Jockey: Lukas Delozier
Race 2 – Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate:?Winner: Al Wazeer – Trainer: Alban de Mieulle – Jockey: Abdulla Rashid Al Hajri
Race 3 – Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0–45):?Winner: Nahar – Trainer: Hamad Al-Jehani – Jockey: Faleh Bughenaim
Race 4 – Thoroughbred Handicap (0–60):?Winner: Delirious Dream – Trainer: Owaida Salem Al Hajri – Jockey: Faleh Bughenaim
Race 5 – Thoroughbred Graduation Plate:?Winner: Big Song – Trainer: Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki – Jockey: Faleh Bughenaim
Race 6 – Purebred Arabian Handicap (60–80):?Winner: Mohimma – Trainer: Jean de Mieulle – Jockey: Faleh Bughenaim
Race 7 – Purebred Arabian Open Race:?Winner: Taftan – Trainer: Hamad Al-Jehani – Jockey: Arnaud de Lepine
Race 8 – Purebred Arabian Conditions:?Winner: Jenkille Hipolyte – Trainer: Eng. Osama Omer Al Dafea – Jockey: Arnaud de Lepine