Qatar emerging as Middle East horse racing power after Goodwood Festival success

Qatari trainer Jassim Al Ghazali is convinced the success of both Al Shaqab and Dubday, the country’s best horse, at the Goodwood Festival last week will encourage more Qatari participation in Europe, writes Geoffrey Riddle.

Jockey Frankie Dettori celebrates with trainer Jassim Al Ghazali, right, while aboard Dubday after winning the Betfred Glorious Stakes in Goodwood, England on July 31, 2015. Steven Cargill / RacingfotShow more

GOODWOOD, ENGLAND // Qatari trainer Jassim Al Ghazali is convinced the success of both Al Shaqab and Dubday, the country’s best horse, at the Goodwood Festival last week will encourage more Qatari participation in Europe.

On Friday, Dubday became the first horse trained in Qatar to win a race in Britain when Al Ghazali saddled the dual HH Emir’s Trophy winner to take the Group 3 Glorious Stakes.

Dubday was Al Ghazali’s first winner outside of his home country, and he is one of five horses owned by Al Shaqab, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad’s racing operation, that struck at Goodwood.

Other Qatari success came from Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Inland Sea, on Tuesday, and Qatar Racing’s Simple Verse in the Lillie Langtry Stakes, on Thursday.

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Golden Steps, owned by Mohammed Al Mannai, who raced in Doha in the winter and is set to return to Qatar next winter, won on Saturday for trainer Marco Botti and jockey Frankie Dettori.

If not for Sir Bani Yas, who won the International Stakes for Purebred Arabians on Saturday, Qatari-owned winners would have outnumbered those from the UAE.

As it was, it finished a draw. It was a significant show of strength from emerging racing power Qatar, who sponsored the whole meeting.

The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club has a process in place whereby they will offer assistance to any owner, trainer or jockey who would like to race in Europe.

Al Ghazali, who trains 20 horses from his summer base in Newmarket, says he is sure others will take up the chance alongside him next year.

“To win here is not easy,” Al Ghazali said. “Goodwood is very different to Doha, from the layout to the length of the straight.

“I came and walked the track three days before the race and hoped that there would be no more rain so the surface would not be soft.

“He was my first runner in a Group race in Britain and he won. I hope that next year we can bring 30 horses.

“I hope more Qataris come here. It is a great opportunity for any Qatari, and it is good to see that the club is helping Qataris to come here to get experience.”

Al Shaqab’s main successes across the five days indicate a strong future. Galileo Gold was an impressive winner of the Vintage Stakes on Tuesday, and Shalaa made light work of the Richmond Stakes on Thursday.

Both colts are juveniles, offering a glimpse of what might be possible next year.

In addition to the colts, Al Shaqab’s mares also played a key role in the landmark Qatari performance at Goodwood and could bolster Sheikh Joaan’s breeding ambitions.

French raider Amy Eria beat Osaila in the Queen’s Plate on Friday, and both mares are pencilled in to retire to Sheikh Joaan’s Haras De Bouquetot Stud in Normandy at the end of the year.

Sheikh Joaan was on hand to watch his horses race earlier in the week before he later flew to the Far East, but Benoit Jeffroy, who manages the Sheikh’s stud operation in France, reportedly liked what he saw.

“He is going loopy at the prospect of having two Group-winning fillies coming his way,” said Harry Herbert, Al Shaqab’s racing and bloodstock adviser. “We have 30 or 40 mares for Al Shaqab, so horses of this quality joining the broodmare band is very exciting.”

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