Sun Amer Clinches Muaither Cup in Thrilling Finish at Al Rayyan

Doha, Qatar: Sun Amer secured a narrow victory in the Muaither Cup, prevailing in a competitive Purebred Arabian Handicap (80-100) at Al Rayyan Racecourse on March 15, 2024. The six-year-old grey horse triumphed by a mere head in a thrilling race filled with intense competition.

The 1700m Class 2 event featured a strong field with contenders such as Alhafar, Rammah, and Al Mustafiz. Under the guidance of jockey Soufiane Saadi, Sun Amer initially positioned himself towards the back of the pack. As the race progressed, he made a powerful surge at the critical moment, showcasing his strength and determination.

In the final 200m, Salwa, ridden by Ivan Rossi, appeared poised for victory. However, Bader Al Balushi-trained Sun Amer accelerated in the closing moments, overtaking Salwa to claim the prestigious title for owner Khalid Mohammed Al-Harami. Marco Casamento secured third place aboard Al Kazim.

Following the race, the winners of the Muaither Cup were presented with their accolades by Rashid Saed Adiba, Head of Racing Operations at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC). “It was a good head-to-head battle until the end, but we won it, and I am very happy. I tried to maintain the right position and balance in a tough race,” Saadi expressed after the victory.

Highlights from the Race Day

The excitement continued throughout the eight-race card, where Saleh Salem Al-Marri completed a hat-trick by steering Suheal Qatar to victory in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap. Earlier, he claimed wins in the Thoroughbred Handicap 0-75 and the Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate with Loaded Gun and Fathi, respectively.

In another standout performance, Za’eer Al Shahania, with jockey Faleh Bughenaim, demonstrated exceptional speed, winning the Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (75-95) by almost four lengths. Meanwhile, Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik piloted Kafalat to a convincing victory in the Purebred Arabian Handicap.

The day began with Thunder Valley, ridden by Arnaud De Lepine, winning the Thoroughbred Handicap (45-65), followed closely by a neck victory for Nahar, guided by Pierre Charles Boudot, in the Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate.

Looking ahead, the action shifts to Al Uqda Racecourse on March 16, featuring another eight-race card headlined by the Distaff Cup – Thoroughbred (Fillies and Mares) Graduation Plate (Class 4).

Muaither Cup Results

Muaither Cup – Purebred Arabian Handicap 80-100 (Class 2)
Winner: Sun Amer, Trainer: Bader Al Balushi, Jockey: Soufiane Saadi

Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-65)
Winner: Suheal Qatar, Trainer: Abdulaziz Hamad Al Marri, Jockey: Saleh Salem Al-Marri

Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (75-95)
Winner: Za’eer Al Shahania, Trainer: Eng. Osama Omer Al-Dafea, Jockey: Faleh Bughenaim

Purebred Arabian Handicap (55-75)
Winner: Kafalat, Trainer: Ahmed Kobeissi, Jockey: Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik

Thoroughbred Handicap 0-75, 3YO+, 1900m
Winner: Loaded Gun, Trainer: Gassim Al Ghazali, Jockey: Saleh Salem Al-Marri

Local Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate
Winner: Fathi, Trainer: Fahad Rashid Al Khayarin, Jockey: Saleh Salem Al-Marri

Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate
Winner: Nahar, Trainer: Hamad Al-Jehani, Jockey: Pierre Charles Boudot

Thoroughbred Handicap (45-65)
Winner: Thunder Valley, Trainer: Hadi Al Ramzani, Jockey: Arnaud De Lepine