Doha, Qatar: Al Shomos proved age is just a number as the 10-year-old mare under Faleh Bughanaim came from behind to clinch the Marmi Cup in style at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday. The Ahmed Kobeissi-trained veteran demonstrated her class and experience in the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Open Race to claim a one-length victory over Black Pearl, landing the title for owner Saeed bin Mubarak Saeed Aljafali Al Naimi. The victory secured a quick double for Bughanaim, who rode Austral to win in the Thoroughbred Handicap 80-100 – the penultimate race of the day.
Meanwhile, Szczepan Mazur also maintained his winning run sealing a treble in seven-race 13th Al Uqda Race Meeting. He first piloted Al Khebrah to Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Class 6) crown and then sealed the victory in the following Thoroughbred Handicap 0-75 race with Hamad Al Jehani-trained Ripple Effect. Mazur completed his hat-trick with Julian Colin Smart-trained Khalil Du Croate, capturing the Purebred Arabian Handicap 65-85 (Class 4) trophy.
In other races, Alam Al Zaeem emerged winner in the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Class 6) with Alberto Sanna in the saddle, while Youssef Lachhab piloted Gold Lily to Thoroughbred Handicap 65-85 (Class 4) triumph. WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) Marmi Cup - Local Thoroughbred Open Race Al Shomos, Ahmed Kobeissi, Faleh Bughanaim Thoroughbred Handicap 80-100 (Win And In Shalfa Qualifier) Austral, Jean de Mieulle, Faleh Bughanaim Purebred Arabian Handicap 65-85 (Class 4.