Royal Cavalry crowned Oman Derby Champions

MUSCAT: The Royal Cavalry were crowned champions of the Oman Derby on Saturday after a deserved victory in the seventh race of the ninth meeting of the horse racing season, held at Al Rahba Racecourse in the Wilayat of Barka and organised by the Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation, represented by the Oman Horse Racing Club.

The event was held under the auspices of His Highness Dr Fares bin Turki al Said, in the presence of Sayyid Mundhir bin Saif al Busaidy, Chairman of the Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation, along with officials, horse owners and racing enthusiasts, The programme comprised eight races, including five for purebred Arabian horses, two for thoroughbreds and one for locally bred Arabian horses.

The event comprised eight races, including five for purebred Arabian horses, two for thoroughbreds and one for locally bred Arabian horses. — Mohammed al Balushi

The opening race, the Lubban for thoroughbreds over 1,200 metres, saw Dhiban secure his second consecutive victory, In the second race, Al Manthoura for locally bred Arabians over 1,600 metres, Al Muzafar E.S. delivered a strong finish to claim first place, the third race, Al Fakhar was dominated by Asifat Al Shamal, who won comfortably, while the fourth race, Al Saif produced a thrilling finale as Al Shali S.B. surged ahead in the closing stages, In the fifth race, Al Khanjar for thoroughbreds over 1,800 metres, A Great Deal recorded his first win of the season.

At the end of the ceremony HH Dr Fares bin Turki al Said presenting trophies to the winners. —Mohammed al Balushi

The sixth race, the Western Projects Company Cup over 2,000 metres, was controlled by Al Oqab, owned by the Royal Cavalry, The highlight of the meeting came in the seventh race, the prestigious Oman Derby, where Al Areeq claimed a well earned victory, confirming the Royal Cavalry’s dominance in one of the season’s most anticipated contests.

The meeting concluded with the eighth race over 2,200 metres, which was won by Madmoon after strong competition, The event also featured cultural performances by the Royal Oman Guard band, traditional folk arts and a heritage village, the ceremony concluded with HH Dr Fares bin Turki al Said presenting trophies to the winners, while the Chairman of the Federation presented a commemorative gift to the patron.