The 21st AL RAYYAN MEETING, hosted by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, welcomed its audience with the understated elegance that only a premier race day can offer. As light gave way to evening, the track shimmered with possibility, and every observer felt the quiet excitement of a day destined for remarkable performances.
Among the stars of the day, jockey Marco Casamento set the tone early, guiding his mounts to victories in races 1, 3, and 4, while keeping the pressure on in races 2 and 7 with strong runner-up finishes. His skillful rides, timing, and composure drew admiration and quietly shaped the rhythm of the card.
By the time the Brooq Cup field assembled, the atmosphere had thickened with anticipation — a subtle hush, a sharpened focus, the kind that makes every stride of every horse count.
The Brooq Cup, a Thoroughbred Handicap (Class 85–105) over 1900 metres with a prize of QAR 120,000, became the highlight of the evening. As the field moved toward the start, tension rippled through the stands. Conversations stopped, cameras steadied, and the high purse promised no easy victory.
When the gates opened, One Nation broke cleanly and settled without fuss, as if aware of the script. Jockey Arnaud De Lepine kept him tucked in, conserving energy for the crucial long bend. Behind them, rivals jostled for position, but One Nation remained unbothered, traveling like a horse who trusted his stride.
Turning for home, De Lepine asked for more, and One Nation responded with a decisive surge that drew the crowd forward in collective awe. Owned by Mr. Hamed Ali H A Al-Mulla and trained by Ahmed Al Jehani, One Nation crossed the line two lengths ahead, marking three victories in four seasonal starts. The pride among his team was quiet but unmistakable — nods, smiles, and the satisfaction of a plan executed perfectly.
Second-placed Dubawi Spectre showed heart in the chase, never yielding, while Local Law held on gamely after early pressure, ensuring the race would be remembered long after the final stride.
The supporting card delivered its own stories. The opening Thoroughbred Maiden Plate over 1700 metres saw Lord Deputy make a confident statement, producing a sharp turn of foot under Marco Casamento to claim victory for trainer Gassim AlGhazali and Al Ghazali Stud. North Audley and Atlantic Convoy chased valiantly, earning their places.
The second race, a 2500-metre Handicap (55–75), tested stamina and timing. Mashhoor settled behind the pace before delivering a measured surge, guided by Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi for trainer Ahmed Al Jehani and owner Mr. Saif Rashid Saif Al Khayarin, while Loaded Gun and It’s A Hot One closed strongly.
Speed dominated the third contest, a 1200-metre Handicap (60–80), with Maximus Alexios producing a well-timed burst under Casamento, keeping Vedute and Lowton in contention.
The fourth race, a Purebred Arabian Handicap (60–80) over 1900 metres, saw Al Kazim emerge with authority, moving smoothly through the pack in the final furlong under Casamento, while Alhafar and Hidalgo Du Croate completed a competitive trifecta.
In the fifth contest, a Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (60–80) over 1200 metres, Khaled Al Shahania used early positioning and a late burst to secure a decisive victory under Salman Fahad Al-Hajri for trainer Maayouf Bin Hashim Al-Shamari and owner Al Meqdam Racing. Munhamik and Afandem held their ground gamely.
The final undercard sprint, a Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0–80) over 1200 metres, saw Maysara produce a polished late surge under Pierre Charles Boudot for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and owner Mr. Mohammed Abdulhadi S Al-Hajri, while Mutamarrid and Neshan ran strongly to round out a competitive card.
Each undercard contest carried its own tension, rhythm, and small human moments — a groom’s smile, a jockey’s nod, a trainer’s quiet satisfaction — building a narrative that made the Brooq Cup feel all the more consequential.
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