QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES JUMENTS (POULICHES DE 4 ANS) - Hajmah prevails after a thrilling battle with Chdia

Intisar de Monlau (Al Mamun Monlau), one of the two runners representing Wathnan Racing, set a solid pace before fading as the field entered the home straight. Her stablemate Chdia (Al Mourtajez) took full advantage of an opening along the rail and surged ahead. She was soon challenged on the outside by Hajmah (Al Mourtajez), ridden by Christophe Soumillon.

The duel between the two fillies was magnificent and concluded with Hajmah claiming victory by a short head! Geneva (Azadi), who had also been held up in the early stages, finished strongly but at a clear distance from the leading pair.

The same owner-trainer combination of Al Shaqab Racing and Thomas Fourcy had already won this race in 2023 with Nour Al Maury (Azadi).

The official result

QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES JUMENTS (POULICHES DE 4 ANS) 

1st HAJMAH (Christophe Soumillon)

2nd CHDIA (Mickaël Barzalona)

3rd GENEVA (Lucas Delozier)

Time: 2’18’’30 – Distances: Short head – 1 1/2 – Short neck

Quotes from connections 

Thomas Fourcy, trainer of Hajmah (1st), Royan (France)

“She’s really a filly who keeps improving with time and maturity. At Chantilly, she produced something special when beating the colts, with great help from Christophe Soumillon. Today, we saw once again that Christophe anticipated things perfectly, pulling her out early to avoid being trapped by the horses on the inside who still had some running left.

I was a bit anxious halfway down the straight, as she needed a breather, but Christophe handled her with patience. When he used his whip twice, she found extra courage and gave everything on the track. There was not much in it at the finish, but she did it really well again.

Congratulations to Alban de Mieulle, who also had his filly spot-on today. It’s never easy to bring a filly back in top form after not running since February. Honestly, before the race I thought it would be a tough challenge for her—but she clearly is a very good filly. See you for the rematch in Qatar!

Hajmah came cantering down the middle of the straight, and at that moment, you thought she’d win by four lengths. Then she was challenged; the ground was a bit testing, which made it harder for horses who had to make an effort. She’s had a long season too, and let’s not forget—it’s never easy to beat the colts. Today was her main target, and she didn’t miss it. We’ll now see with the whole team what’s next for her.”

Alban de Mieulle, trainer of Chdia (2nd), Doha (Qatar)

“Chdia was very brave for her seasonal comeback. We have to remember that she was trying 2,000 meters for the first time and lacked experience, with only four previous starts! I didn’t think she would handle the ground because she had never run on such a surface. She’s going to be a very nice filly for the future. She’ll return to Qatar this week to run in the major races there, and I hope she’ll come back next year to take part in the big race on Sunday — the Qatar Arabian World Cup.”

François Rohaut, trainer of Geneva (3rd), Pau (France)

“Her draw didn’t help us. With stall 13, we had to ride her that way. Everything went well in the straight; she got a clear run and showed plenty of courage. She reproduced her best form from last year. We were beaten by two very good fillies, so we’re delighted with her performance. Her season is now over, and we’ll decide whether she stays in training next year.”

QREC, the official partner of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

The QREC was established in the early 1960s before achieving official recognition in 1975. It is mandated with representing, promoting and advancing equine and equestrian initiatives, from grassroots programmes to the international arena. Focused on equestrian sport and horse welfare, the QREC is dedicated to promoting Qatar as a world class hub for horse racing and a leader in the Pure Arabian breed.

The QREC works in collaboration with local bodies dedicated to achieving excellence in planning, regulation and the development of Qatar’s racing industry to reflect the world's best practices. The QREC has been partner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe since 2008, and from 2022, it also became the title partner of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, one of the most important races for the selection of the breed.