Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club concluded a thrilling Sunday card on December 28, with the spotlight firmly on Race 5, The GCC Cup Presented by Sharjah Sports Council, carrying a prize of AED 200,000. The feature race captured the afternoon’s attention, producing a decisive performance from SSR Khilan, while five other races delivered a mix of speed, strategy, and competitive spirit that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The action opened with Race 1, Al Marwan Machinery, where Waseem Baynounah set the tone early under jockey Sandro Paiva for trainer Saif Almarar and owner Abu Dhabi Racing. The colt finished strongly in 1:20.12, ahead of Tameh and Aameer, with breeding honours going to Abdulla Bakheet Saif Murshed Almarar.
In Race 2, Al Marwan Developments, Paiva repeated his winning form on Zahrat Baynounah, guiding the filly for trainer Saif Almarar and Abu Dhabi Racing. Crossing the line in 1:20.10, Zahrat Baynounah held off Luluah and Yelwah, showcasing the pedigree of Baynounah Arabian Horse Stud.
The card’s middle races maintained intensity, starting with Race 3, Al Marwan Machinery, where AF AlfaReq impressed for trainer Qaiss Aboud and owner Mohamed Mosabbah Mohammed Al Mazrouei. Piloted by Bernardo Pinheiro, AlfaReq completed 1:59.57 ahead of AF Mi’aad and Basil AW, bred by Khalid Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda.
Race 4, Al Marwan Development, saw Nisreen Al Wathba take centre stage under Silvestre De Sousa for trainer Eric Lemartinel and Yas Racing. The mare crossed the finish line in 2:21.02, outpacing Kasaied and AS Mared Al-Bahr, with breeding honours attributed to H H Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyyan.
The afternoon’s pinnacle, Race 5 – The GCC Cup, brought the stakes and excitement to their peak with AED 200,000 on the offer. SSR Khilan, ridden by Hamed Al Malki, delivered a commanding performance for trainer Abdulaziz Al Rushaidi and owner Salim Said Hamad Alrushaidi. Covering the distance in 1:56.39, Khilan left Hameem and Ramz Muscat trailing, cementing a memorable win for breeder Salim Said Hamad Alrushaidi and thrilling the gathered crowd.
Momentum carried into Race 6, Al Marwan Machinery, where Arabian Angel, guided by Tadhg O’Shea for trainer Bhupat Seemar and owner Akarem Racing, finished strongly in 1:11.26. Barq Al Emarat and Split The Profit completed the podium, with breeding credited to Linden Bloodstock Ltd.
Sharjah Race Results 28 December provided a fitting close to the week, blending high-stakes drama in the GCC Cup with competitive performances across all supporting races. From early sprint contests to the feature staying challenge, the day showcased the depth, talent, and thrill of UAE racing.
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