On Day 3 of Qatar Goodwood Festival
Nashwa wins Qatar Nassau Stakes
In presence of H. E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, the third day of the QREC-sponsored Qatar Goodwood Festival took place on Thursday, 28 July at the Goodwood Racecourse, UK. The five-day Festival will continue up to Saturday, 30 July. H. E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the winners of the day’s feature, the Gr1 Qatar Nassau Stakes. Present at the events of the day were H.E. Fahad Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom, H.E. Issa Bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi Chairman of QREC, Hamad Bin Abdulrahman Al Attiya Vice Chairman of QREC and Chairman of the Asian Equestrian Federation, Khalifa Bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah QREC Board Member and Al Shaqab Executive Director, Ahmad Bin Mohammed Alabdulmalik QREC Board Member, Abdulla Rashid Al Kubaisi QREC Racing Manager and Hesham Mohammed Al Ali Director of QREC Chairman Office and Manager of QREC Marketing Department.
The echoes of the events of the first two days of the five-day Festival, have been very high hailed given their outstanding success in terms of both organisation and top-quality racing as well as the large-scale participation of many stars, especially with the increasing attendance of racegoer. The Qatari success on the second day has added to resounding success with Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s LADY PRINCESS landing the Gr1 PA Qatar International Stakes for the second year in a row. The small-sized but mighty six-year-old mare kept the coveted title for Qatar for the fourth straight year, cementing Qatar’s standing as the world’s leader in Arabian racing.
Nashwa and Doyle prove irresistible in Qatar Nassau Stakes
Nashwa (Frankel – Princess Loulou) confirmed herself as one of the best fillies of her generation by running away with the G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes for her owner-breeder Imad Al Saga, under Hollie Doyle, the first female jockey to win the 10-furlong showpiece.
Having raced in last early on, Nashwa made ground smoothly to challenge on the outside of runners in the straight before stretching away in the final furlong for an authoritative length-and-three-quarter success. Aristia (Starspangledbanner) posted a career-best in second, with Lilac Road (Mastercraftsman) third after meeting trouble in running.
Nashwa, who carried Doyle into the history books when winning the Prix de Diane last month, is a fifth win in the race for trainer John Gosden and his first in partnership with son Thady.
“We were drawn nine and we didn’t want to get caught on the outside with daylight”, said John Gosden after the race, “We have relaxed in last and what they’ve done is suddenly pull the pace up … Coming from last made it tough on her as they are quickening down the hill, but Nashwa has got the class and, when the ground levelled off, she was happier. She is versatile to do that from off the pace. I think next time we might have to put a pacemaker in. I think we will stay in against the fillies in something like the Prix de l’Opera. I don’t want to rush taking on colts this year, maybe next year.”
Hollie Doyle said: “It is pretty awesome. She gave me some feel. A change of tactics today from France, but it paid off. Nashwa is A1, you can’t fault her … She now knows what she is doing.”
Winning owner Imad Al Sagar said: “Nashwa is a homebred and I must admit that I am very emotional when it comes to her … Our target will be the Prix de l’Opera on Arc day and then the Breeders’ Cup for the Filly & Mare Turf. She has had a busy season and we don’t want to overdo it.”
Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club