Studio City Dominates Lisha Cup at Al Uqda Racecourse

DOHA: Studio City showcased a commanding performance to secure victory in the 2000m Thoroughbred Handicap and the coveted Lisha Cup at Al Uqda Racecourse on March 15, 2024. The six-year-old chestnut horse, starting from barrier 2, maintained a strong position in third place throughout the race before unleashing a powerful surge down the home straight, ultimately winning by a margin of 3¼ lengths.

This victory marks an impressive milestone for the horse, representing its second win from three starts, alongside a runner-up finish for owner Faleh Suwayed Al Ajami. The race further solidified the horse’s status in the competitive circuit.

Celebration of Achievements

Trainer Mohammed Al Ghazali celebrated his third win of the evening, while jockey Lukas Delozier enjoyed a successful night, completing a double. The Lisha Cup trophies were presented to the winning connections by Rashid Saed Adiba, Head of Racing Operations at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.

Earlier in the evening, Weissmuller, trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and jockeyed by Pierre Charles Boudot, clinched victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap (85-105) after a thrilling finish, winning by just a head.

Other Race Highlights

In the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (75-95), Al-Yaseen Zakhir, trained by Alberto Sanna, triumphed under the expert guidance of Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi. Meanwhile, Samsa Al Shahania crossed the finish line 2¼ lengths ahead in the Purebred Arabian Novice Plate, trained by Rudy Nerbonne with Delozier in the saddle.

Temple Of Hera won the Thoroughbred Handicap (55-75) under the training of Nayef Batal Al-Otibi, with jockey Salman Fahad Al-Hajri riding. In a closely contested race, Noble Patron, trained by Mohammed Balasim Al Jumaili, and partnered with Szczepan Mazur, also secured a victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap (55-75).

In the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (0-65), Taimoor, trained by Mohammed Hassan Al Matwi, emerged victorious with Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi aboard. Additionally, Dance Acclaim, another horse trained by Al Ghazali, won the Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60) with Saleh Faraj Al-Otaibi riding.

Finally, in the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for three-year-olds, My George, also trained by Al Ghazali, showcased impressive speed to finish fastest under the guidance of Soufiane Saadi.

The evening’s events at Al Uqda Racecourse not only highlighted the skill of the horses and trainers but also emphasized the growing prestige of horse racing in Qatar, drawing attention from enthusiasts and stakeholders alike.