The floodlights shimmered across the turf at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club on Thursday, 19 February 2026, as the 53rd Al Rayyan Race Meeting unfolded across an eight-race programme. From stamina-driven handicaps to high-quality Purebred Arabian contests, the evening steadily gathered momentum toward the 120,000 QAR feature — the Loyalty Cup. By the time the finale arrived, tactical precision, emerging Arabian talent and a treble from Soufiane Saadi had shaped a compelling night of racing in Doha.
The evening began with Race 1, the Local Thoroughbred Handicap 0–45 over 2000 metres (45,000 QAR), where Awaayid (QA) set the tone with a determined staying performance. Trained by Zuhair Mohsen and ridden by Faleh Bughenaim, the 60.5kg topweight travelled prominently before asserting late. Roudha (QA) finished one length behind in second, while Muraykh (QA) stayed on to secure third, just a quarter-length further back.
Race 2, the Purebred Arabian Handicap (75–95) over 1200 metres, showcased speed and sharp finishing. Sha’alan (FR) powered home for trainer Mohammed AlGhazali, with Soufiane Saadi timing his challenge perfectly. Kawaii D’Vialettes (FR) was narrowly denied by a short head, while Taymoor Al Shahania (FR) finished 1.25 lengths behind in third.
In Race 3, The Late Saeed Bin Ahmed Al-Rabia Al-Kuwari Cup over 1400 metres, The Horse Horse (GB) broke through impressively. Soufiane Saadi partnered the Mohammed AlGhazali-trained four-year-old to a smooth success, quickening clear in the closing stages. Raykir (IRE) finished 1.25 lengths behind in second, with Princess Alice (IRE) taking third.
Race 4, The Late Abdulaziz Nasser Al-Fuhaid Cup (1400m), produced a compelling duel in the Purebred Arabian Novice Plate. Jalaad Al Shahania (FR), trained by Rudy Andre Nerbonne and ridden by Lukas Delozier, proved strongest at the line carrying 60kg. Dabas (FR) was beaten just a quarter-length, while Lattam (FR) finished 2.25 lengths adrift in third.
The sprint action intensified in Race 5, Division One of The Late Rashid Mubarak Al-Shafi Cup (1000m). Thanks Forever (IRE) struck late under Damien Morin for trainer Jihad El Ahmad, prevailing in one of the tightest finishes of the night. Future Man (USA) and Sardem (FR) finished a neck apart behind the winner.
Race 6, Division Two over 1100 metres, saw Torvar (IRE) carry top weight of 61kg to victory. Soufiane Saadi completed a notable treble aboard the Mohammed AlGhazali-trained runner, edging out Sands Of Marra (IRE) by a quarter-length, with Ponga (IRE) finishing third.
Race 7 maintained the competitive rhythm of the meeting, with strong early fractions and tactical positioning once again proving decisive as connections looked to close the night strongly ahead of the feature.
The spotlight belonged to Race 8, the Loyalty Cup (1600m), a Local Purebred Arabian Graduation Plate for four-year-olds. Kendah Al Shahania (QA) delivered a performance of authority under Marco Casamento. Trained by Rudy Andre Nerbonne, the filly benefited from her 2kg allowance to carry just 54kg, travelling smoothly before asserting to win convincingly. Qiltan (QA) finished 1.75 lengths behind in second under Soufiane Saadi, while Asfaan Al Shahania (QA) completed the placings seven lengths further back. With 68,400 QAR awarded to the winner, Kendah Al Shahania stamped her class emphatically on the feature.
From Awaayid’s stamina in the opener to Kendah Al Shahania’s commanding Loyalty Cup triumph, the 53rd Al Rayyan Race Meeting blended depth, drama and distinction. Under the Doha lights, emerging Arabian stars and confident riding performances ensured another polished chapter in Qatar’s racing season.
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