The 46th Al Rayyan Race Meeting – Asherij Cup took center stage with a seven-race card on May 3, 2025, at the prestigious Al Rayyan Racecourse. The highlight of the day, the Asherij Cup, saw KAB GHAZAL secure a resounding victory, earning the top prize of QAR 68,400. Ridden confidently by jockey Rashid Ali Al-Marri and trained by Mr. Mohd Ahmed Mohd Hasan Al-Sulaiti, KAB GHAZAL outpaced KEHEILAH AL SAKAB, who finished second under jockey Trevor Patel and trainer Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya.
The day’s action began with LITTLE HERON triumphing in the Thoroughbred Handicap 45-65 (Class 6). Under the expert guidance of jockey Marco Casamento, the horse edged ahead by a neck, taking home QAR 28,500. LITTLE HERON is trained by Gassim AlGhazali. Close behind was MOCKIRR, handled by jockey Soufiane Saadi and trainer Abdulla Al-Mulla.
In the second race, the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate (Class 6), HARBA ALSEEJ took the win and a prize of QAR 28,500, marking Casamento’s second win of the day. The horse is trained by Nayef Batal Al-Otibi. AL SHAREEAH, ridden by Alberto Sanna and trained by Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, claimed second.
The third race, Local Purebred Arabian Novice Plate (Class 5), saw Casamento earn a hat-trick with a commanding ride on AL-YASEEN ZAKHIR, who claimed QAR 34,200. The horse is trained by Gassim AlGhazali. Runner-up AL MAQAM, trained by Julian Colin Smart and ridden by Alberto Sanna, delivered a solid performance.
In the Thoroughbred Handicap 60-80 (Class 4), DUE TO DANCE clinched victory with Fayos Martin Borja in the saddle, earning QAR 34,200. The horse is trained by Mohammed AlGhazali. ETHANDUN finished second, partnered with Pierre Charles Boudot and trained by Hamad Al-Jehani.
The Purebred Arabian Handicap 60-80 (Class 4) was won by AL MUSTAFIZ, guided by Lukas Delozier and trained by Julian Colin Smart, taking home QAR 34,200. KERA DE FLAUZINS, ridden by Jefferson Smith and also trained by Smart, followed closely in second.
In the penultimate race, the Local Thoroughbred Handicap 55-80 (Class 2), SUHEAL QATAR emerged victorious under Youssef Lachhab, earning QAR 42,750. The horse was trained by Hamad Ateeq Mohammed Al Marri.
The action-packed day concluded with a series of thrilling finishes that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. The excitement sets a promising tone for the upcoming race days on May 7 and May 8, 2025, continuing the racing fervor at Al Rayyan Racecourse.
