Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club played host to a memorable afternoon of Arabian racing on Sunday, January 25, as a six-race card unfolded between 2:00pm and 4:30pm, blending speed, stamina, and prestige under clear winter skies. The meeting reached its defining moment with the H.H. The Ruler of Sharjah Cup 2026 presented by Longines Master Collection, a feature race carrying a total prize of AED 250,000, which stood as the unquestioned centrepiece of a day marked by strong performances and polished horsemanship.
The afternoon opened with Race 1, the Longines Spirit Pilot, where PEPPER ALRAWASI, a 5-year-old bay horse, delivered a composed and professional performance to set the tone early. Ridden confidently by Tadhg O’Shea and trained by Adnan Mohammed, the winner showed both speed and control to stop the clock at 1:20.88. The victory rewarded owners Leila Al Marzooqi and Reem Al Marzooqi, while breeder Faisal Samir Mahmoud AlAli saw his colours off to a perfect start. NAJEM S’HEEL finished second, with LAMST FARAH AL MARAS taking third.
Momentum carried into Race 2, the Longines Conquest, where ALNAYER, a 6-year-old chestnut horse, asserted authority in decisive fashion. Partnered by Bernardo Pinheiro and trained by Khalifa Al Neyadi, ALNAYER crossed the line in 1:59.08, securing victory for owner Mohammed Salem Ali Alafreet. The win also highlighted the breeding influence of H.H. Sheikha Alyazia Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. BASIL AW finished runner-up, while SHAMIKH BAYNOUNAH completed the top three.
The staying ability of fillies came to the fore in Race 3, Spirit Zulu Time, as NAWAAL AW, a 4-year-old bay filly, delivered a measured and resolute effort. Ridden by Qais Al Busaidi and trained by Eric Legrix, she stayed on strongly to record a winning time of 2:22.94. Owned by Yas Racing and bred by Yas Horse Racing Management LLC, her performance underlined consistency and promise. QANDIL AW claimed second, with AS MARED AL-BAHR finishing third.
The highlight arrived with Race 4, the H.H. The Ruler of Sharjah Cup 2026 presented by Longines Master Collection, where ALMOTAWASSIM, a 5-year-old chestnut horse, rose to the occasion. Under a confident ride from Ray Dawson, and trained by Ibrahim Al Hadhrami, ALMOTAWASSIM produced a commanding display to win in 1:59.43. Representing Ben Shahwan Arabian Horse Stables, who also bred the winner, the performance justified the race’s prestige and prize value. SHADDAD AW finished second, while SAFIHA AW secured third in a race that drew the loudest applause of the afternoon.
Quality continued in Race 5, the Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback, as YUVRAAJ, a 4-year-old bay colt, showcased stamina and balance. Ridden by Patrick Dobbs and trained by Doug Watson, the colt clocked 2:07.59 to earn victory for owner Vaibhav Shah. The success also reflected the strength of his breeding, coming from Stoneway Farm (KY). GOLDSPUR finished second, with DESERT HORIZON in third.
The meeting concluded with endurance at the forefront in Race 6, the Longines Prima Luna Sharjah Marathon, where RAAD ALBROOQ, a 6-year-old bay gelding, proved strongest over the testing distance. Guided by Sam Hitchcott and trained by Anthony Gammell, the winner stopped the clock at 3:11.68. Owned by Shkha Alyazia bint Sultan Al Nahyan and bred by Al Asayl France, the victory brought a fitting close to the day. RAWAAT AL REEF finished second, with MOUATH third.
As the day reached its conclusion, Sharjah Race Results 25 January stood as a celebration of Arabian racing at its finest, defined by depth, discipline, and a feature race worthy of its stature.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.