Deputy Director of QREC Registration & Studbook Department Saad Ali Al Kubaisi presented the Fuwairit Cup to connections of Townsend Manor. PICS: Juhaim/QREC
DOHA: Townsend Manor produced a powerful late burst to claim the feature Fuwairit Cup, a Class 2 Thoroughbred Open Handicap for 3yo+ over 1100m, heading a field of 11 at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday night.
The five-year-old bay gelding, owned by Al Rufaa Racing and trained by Gassim Al Ghazali, notched back-to-back wins and a third victory from six starts this season. Marco Casamento delivered a perfectly timed ride to complete a quick double on the card.
Smartly away from stall six, Townsend Manor showed early pace before being eased towards the rear, travelling smoothly as the leaders set a solid tempo. Weissmuller took charge after an early shuffle for the lead and straightened in front, pursued by Sardem, Al Mundher and Safwan. Safwan ranged up ominously on the turn for home and briefly looked the likely winner.
Action during the meeting.
But inside the final 200 metres, Townsend Manor unleashed a sustained run down the centre of the track, sweeping past his rivals to take control. The Dunkirk Lads flew home from the back to issue a late challenge, yet Townsend Manor found more in front to score by a length. The Dunkirk Lads finished 3½ lengths clear of Weissmuller, who stayed on for third.
Earlier in the evening, Mared Al Zaeem made all to break his maiden at the 22nd attempt, North Audley shed his maiden tag with a strong late surge, and Kafalat edged Yaqoob in a head-bobbing finish.
Shadow Army landed the Novice Plate, Fantastic Deal stayed on strongly over 2500m, Husam Al Shahania returned to winning form on dirt, and Nashmyah Alrekaben overcame a wide draw to secure her first victory.
