Doha, Qatar: Nano Toro delivered a thrilling performance to land the Al Ghariyah Cup over 1200m, surging powerfully in the final strides to snatch victory and kick off the 2025-26 racing season in style at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday.
The five-year-old chestnut mare showed tremendous determination and late speed, showcasing both her class and grit under pressure.
Trained by Debbie Mountain and ridden confidently by jockey Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, Nano Toro’s win marked the first feature success of the new season and completed a swift double on the card for the team.
Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik rides Nano Toro to title.
The back-to-back victories were a rewarding start for owner Eng. Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, underlining his strong presence in the early stages of the campaign.
The winning connections were presented with the Al Ghariyah Cup trophies by Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi alongside Head of QREC Racing Operations Section Rashid Saed Adiba. Mountain and Alabdulmalik enjoyed their first victory when Cei Connah edged out opponents in the Thoroughbred Handicap (75-95) – the penultimate event on the opening day of the hectic 70-meeting season.
There was also double delight for trainer Maayouf bin Hashim Al-Shamari and jockey Salman Fahad Al-Hajri, with Khaled Al Shahania (Purebred Arabian Handicap) and Nemr (Purebred Arabian Novice Plate) both landing victories.
Prominent jockey Soufiane Saadi also walked away with a brace of titles, guiding Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya-trained Al Theeba and Mohammed Al Ghazali-trained Aeon’s Aegis to perfection in Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate and Thoroughbred Maiden Plate respectively.
The connections of Nano Toro celebrate their Al Ghariyah Cup triumph. PICS: Juhaim/QREC
Jockey Jefferson Smith opened the action guiding Damaah, trained by Hadi Al Ramzani, to land the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Fillies & Mares).
He also completed a pair of wins when he rode Ahmed Kobeissi-trained Roman Number to a massive six-length win in the 1700m Thoroughbred Handicap (50-70).
Today’s second race meeting at Al Rayyan also features eight events culminating with the feature Al Hamla Cup.
1st Al Rayyan Race Meeting - Al Ghariyah Cup
WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)
1 - Al Ghariyah Cup - Thoroughbred (Fillies & Mares) (Class 2)
Nano Toro, Debbie Mountain, Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik
2 - Thoroughbred Handicap (75-95)
Cei Connah, Debbie Mountain, Mohammed Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik
3 - Purebred Arabian Handicap (70-90)
Khaled Al Shahania, Maayouf bin Hashim Al-Shamari, Salman Fahad Al-Hajri
4 - Purebred Arabian Novice Plate
Nemr, Maayouf bin Hashim Al-Shamari, Salman Fahad Al-Hajri
5 - Thoroughbred Handicap (50-70)
Roman Number, Ahmed Kobeissi, Jefferson Smith
6 - Local Thoroughbred Maiden Plate
Al Theeba, Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya, Soufiane Saadi
7 - Thoroughbred Maiden Plate
Aeon’s Aegis, Mohammed Al Ghazali, Soufiane Saadi
8 - Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate (Fillies & Mares)
Damaah, Hadi Al Ramzani, Jefferson Smith
