Lucky Boy shines in postponed fifth race at Al Rahba

The 21st horse racing event at Al Rahba Racecourse was held on Friday, featuring intense competition across nine races with strong participation from elite Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. Each race was named after Omani cities, adding a distinctive local identity to the event.

The opening race, 'Samayil Gate', for purebred Arabian horses over 1,200 metres, was won by Ghawash Al Shahaniya, owned by Saif bin Salim al Mahrouqi, trained by Ali bin Ibrahim al Balushi and ridden by Issa bin Mohammed al Balushi.

The second race, 'Bahla Gate', over 2,000 metres, saw Emperor Lotus claim first place. The horse is owned by Majid bin Ali al Maamari, trained by Mohammed bin Salim al Siyabi and ridden by Amer bin Ali al Rasbi.

In the third race, 'Shinas Gate', also over 2,000 metres, Itchi D Naker secured victory. The horse is owned by Sayyid Tariq bin Mohammed al Said, trained by Mohammed bin Salim al Siyabi and ridden by Wathab bin Saeed al Balushi.

Trainer Mohammed bin Abdullah al Balushi

The fourth race, 'Al Buraimi Gate' (locally bred) over 1,600 metres, was won by Al Mutawakkil, owned by Ayman bin Hamood al Balushi, trained by Abdulaziz bin Saud al Balushi and ridden by Adam bin Talib al Balushi.

The fifth race, 'Al Rustaq Gate', over 1,600 metres, which was also the 20th race and had been postponed twice, witnessed a standout performance by Lucky Boy, trained by Mohammed bin Abdullah al Balushi. The horse led the race from start to finish, delivering a dominant performance despite the challenges caused by the delays.

The sixth race, 'Sur Gate' (locally bred) over 1,600 metres, was won by Al Marabet SA, owned by Saeed bin Abdullah al Riyami, trained by Hassan bin Mohammed al Falahi and ridden by Issa bin Khalaf al Falahi.

The seventh race, 'Nizwa Gate', for Thoroughbreds over 1,600 metres, was won by Kitten, owned by Al Mundhir bin Mohammed al Mushayfiri, trained by Nasser bin Hamad al Qatiti and ridden by Hamad bin Abdullah al Balushi.

The fifth race, 'Al Rustaq Gate', over 1,600 metres, which was also the 20th race and had been postponed twice, witnessed a standout performance by Lucky Boy.

MAQSOOD CLAIMS MUSCAT GATE

The eighth race, 'Muscat Gate', for Thoroughbreds over 1,600 metres, was claimed by Maqsood, owned by Fahad bin Khamis al Balushi, trained by Mohammed bin Salim al Siyabi and ridden by Moanes bin Salim al Siyabi.

The final race, 'Sohar Gate', for purebred Arabian horses over 1,600 metres, was won by Bakir, owned by Anwar bin Salim al Mahri, trained by Nibras bin Salim al Siyabi and ridden by Moanes bin Salim al Siyabi.

Following the victory, trainer Mohammed bin Abdullah al Balushi said: “The two postponements forced us to adjust the training schedule multiple times to maintain the horse’s condition. We focused on both physical and mental readiness. The delays had an impact, but the team handled the situation professionally and Lucky Boy proved his quality by leading from start to finish”.

Jockey Anas bin Salim al Balushi commented: “The race was highly competitive and controlling the pace was crucial. The overall level reflects the continuous development of horse racing in Oman”.

Trainer Ali bin Ibrahim al Balushi added: “Winning the opening race reflects the consistent effort put into preparing the horses. The level of competition was very high among all participants”.

Jockey Issa bin Mohammed al Balushi said: “Achieving multiple strong results gives us great motivation to continue performing at a high level, especially in such competitive races”.