Doha, Qatar: As part of the series of the races sponsored by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) at Europe’s renowned racecourses, the Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes will be run today at Chantilly, France. The 1,600m Group 2 PA contest has been held under QREC-sponsorship for several years now and more than a Qatari-owned horse has won its title. Top runners will head to the starting gates of this race, which showcases the speed of the competitors before they head over longer distances at Deauville, France, during the summer.
According to the declarations announced 48 hours ago, five horses will be in the fray, including two runners bred and owned by Al Shaqab Racing. Mahsoub (Al Mourtajez x Al Fahda), who won first time out when he took the Qatar Prix Massoud, which was run over 1,400m, at Bordeaux Le Bouscat, France, on 1st April this year. He is trained by Thomas Fourcy and will seek to remain unbeaten with Christophe Soumillon in the saddle.
The other representative of Al Shaqab Racing is Al Jori (Al Mamun Monlau x Muzoon). The bay filly has been supplemented by trainer Jean de Mieulle and will be ridden on debut by Alexis Pouchin. While still inexperienced, she is expected to show promise on her first ever outing, especially as she is a full sister to Afjan, also bred and owned by Al Shaqab Racing, who has already secured a Gr1 PA and A Gr3 PA victories.
Mureb (Gazwan x Manisha), running in the silks of Al Asayl France also has one win for one run on .
