The Sheikh Faisal Hamad Jassim Al-Thani-owned AL FAISAL (Al Albahar x Sakina De Faust) toughed out a narrow success in the Emaela Stakes (Group 1 WATHBA Stallions Cup) at Sluzewiec racecourse (Poland) on Sunday, August 22nd.
Trained by Maciej Kacprzyk, Al Faisal won a Group Two over course and distance in July and was ridden by jockey Kamil Grzybowski on both occasions.
Drawn in stall nine, Al Faisal was forced wide through the early stages on the 1,600m. A very steady pace was set by Han Rastaban (Assy) through the first half of the race and Al Faisal sat just off the leaders,. With the field tightly packed on the turn for home, Al Faisal took closer order and was virtually upsides Han Rastaban 400m from home. Maeali Muscat (Nieshan) also challenged Han Rastaban for the lead in the home straight and the three drew clear of the field. Inside the final 200m Al Faisal began to pull clear of his rivals and went on to score by half a length. Maeali Muscat took second, while early leader Han Rastaban faded towards the end and finished a further two lengths back in third.
Bred by his owner, Al Faisal is by Af Albahar (Amer), who stands at Haras De Thouars and is out of Sakina De Faust (Al Sakbe) a winner over 2,000m in Germany.
Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club