Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches : A one-two-three for Al Shaqab in the world championship for 3-year-old fillies!

For those less familiar with Arabian racing, the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (Group 1 PA) is widely regarded as the best race in the world for three-year-old fillies.

And everything unfolded like a dream for the representatives of Al Shaqab Racing, the stable owned by His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Al Thani (Qatar). After waiting in the pack, the three fillies each made their move in turn and crossed the line first, second and third!

The winner, Subahiyah (Mahabb), ridden by Christophe Soumillon, was the first to launch her offensive. She came up to join the leaders at the entrance to the straight with a long, smooth acceleration on the outside. Once balanced, she asserted herself over her stablemate Amjaad (Azadi), who bravely finished second. El Bnoud (Azadi), who took third place, had been boxed in along the rail but once able to switch out into the clear, she finished strongly down the middle of the track.

The official result

QATAR ARABIAN TROPHY DES POULICHES 

1st – SUBAHIYAH (Christophe Soumillon)

2nd – AMJAAD (Jean-Bernard Eyquem)

3rd – EL BNOUD (Mickaël Barzalona)

Time: 2’23’’71 – Distances: 1 1/4 – 1 – 1 3/4

Quotes from connections 

François Rohaut, trainer of Subahiyah (1st), Pau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

“Based on her Deauville performance, she was the logical favourite. Today she was facing fillies who had only ever met their own sex, whereas she had already fought against the two colts who went on to finish first and second in the Colts’ Trophy. That gave us a strong chance.

I must praise Christophe Soumillon’s very good ride—he came gradually, in progression.

We also made some small adjustments—bit, hood, etc.—which I think made the difference today, as she was much calmer than at Deauville. She pulled less.

The best filly won today. She’s a beautiful filly with size, perhaps still lacking a bit of substance, but that will come. Her bloodline keeps producing winners.”

Thomas Fourcy, trainer of Amjaad (2nd), Royan (Charente-Maritime)

“It’s fantastic for Al Shaqab Racing. She’s a filly who won the first 3-year-old race of the year and she has always been there since. She’s tough, she keeps improving both physically and mentally. She had a wide trip; halfway down the straight it looked like she would be fifth, then she picked up again to finish strongly. Approaching the line she was still full of running. I’m very happy for the team. We’ll have to see how she comes out of the race, but she could head to Qatar this winter. We’ll discuss it.”

Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, trainer of El Bnoud (3rd), Mont-de-Marsan (Landes)

“She had a good race and kept galloping to the line. It’s a very good performance. She still lacks a bit of maturity, but she’ll be a very good filly for 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.

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