QREC Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented the trophies to the winning connections of the Sealine Cup. Pics: JUHAIM/QREC
DOHA: Aemilianus yesterday made a seamless return to action, launching his 2025-26 season campaign with a commanding victory in the Sealine Cup over 1400m at Al Rayyan Racecourse.
Racing in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman Al-Thani, the six-year-old travelled strongly behind the leaders before quickening smartly in the straight.
Under Marco Casamento, Aemilianus, trained by Gassim Al Ghazali, swept past his rivals with ease to score by three lengths, confirming that his excellent form from last season has carried over into the new term.
Action during the 4th Al Rayyan Race meeting.
“The horse ran very well. It was the first start for him this season. The 1400m distance was very short for him and today he did very well,” Casamento said after the race.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi presented the trophies to the winning connections.
The duo of trainer Al Ghazali and Casamento celebrated another victory shortly after as Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud-owned Basalt topped the 1600m Thoroughbred Conditions in the following race.
The fourth Al Rayyan Race Meeting featured nine races on the card, with jockey Alberto Sanna maintaining his sizzling form, grabbing a hat-trick just a day after earning a double, which included the Asherij Cup triumph.
He opened the meeting by guiding Nayef Batal Al-Otibi-trained Sheikha SBS to an impressive win in the 1400m Thoroughbred Maiden Plate before sealing victories in the Local Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate and Purebred Arabian Handicap (60-80) with Maadi Alseej and Angus respectively.
Meanwhile, the 1400m Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate saw Jean de Mieulle-trained Dhariya claiming victory under Olivier d’Andigne, while Manjam, ridden by Soufiane Saadi, reigned supreme in 1600m Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate.
In the Thoroughbred Handicap 70-90, Hamad Ramzan Al-Naimi-trained Foehn secured victory under the guidance of Damien Morin. Al Rabban Racing’s Burkan wrapped up the meeting in style, storming to a neck win in the 1600m Purebred Arabian Conditions to give trainer Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki and jockey Tomas Lukasek a well-deserved success.
Next week’s action will feature two highlights: the Al Beshariyah Cup – Purebred Arabian Premium Maiden Plate (Class 6) on Wednesday and the Al Gharafa Cup – Purebred Arabian (Class 2) on Thursday.
