Hajmah Triumphs in Gr.1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments
Source JDG. Photos Scoopdyga
At ParisLongchamp on Saturday, 4 October, Hajmah owned and bred by Al Shaqab Racing; triumphed in the Gr1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments while First Look, carrying the colours of Wathnan Racing.
Hajmah (Al Mourtajez x Easter De Faust by Mahabb), the talented four-year-old filly, added another top-level victory to her record by winning the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments – Pouliches 4-years-old and over 2000m at ParisLongchamp. The race was for 4-year-old Purebred Arabian fillies and featured a field of 15 runners.
Trained by Thomas Fourcy, ridden by Fabrice Veron, and bred and owned by Al Shaqab Racing, Hajmah continues to show her consistency at the highest level, following her previous Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 ans success against the colts. This also marked a double for trainer François Rohaut, who won the colts’ edition earlier on the card.
Soon in rear in three-wide position behind HM Al Zalmaa (Al Mourtajez x Al Chyhanah by Munjiz) in a race led by Intisar De Monlau (Al Mamun Monlau x Leila De Monlau by Nizam) at an even pace, Hajmah travelled nicely while positions remained unchanged. Entering the final straight, Soumillon, like yesterday at Saint-Cloud, beautifully anticipated the lift of the pace and guided Hajmah up on the outside to get close to the leaders.
With Intisar starting to tire, Hajmah took the lead alongside Chdia (Al Mourtajez x Rkaya by Burning Sand), both going clear with Geneva (Azadi x Theeba) and Lacaro Du Croate (No Risk Al Maury x Beanie Du Croate) a length behind but well clear of the rest. After a long battle in the final stages, Hajmah proved the strongest, winning by a short head over Chdia, while Geneva took third.
Winning trainer Thomas Fourcy said after the race: “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 that 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.”
Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, QREC Chairman, presented the trophy of the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments to H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan Al Thani, after a brilliant victory by Hajmah, proudly bred and raced by Al Shaqab Racing. |
