Afjan finishes with flourish in UAE President Cup

Doha, Qatar: Coming off a strong second place finish in a Group 2 (PA) race in Rome, Afjan (by Tm Fred Texas) confirmed his class by winning the Group...

Doha, Qatar: Coming off a strong second-place finish in a Group 2 (PA) race in Rome, Afjan (by Tm Fred Texas) confirmed his class by winning the Group 3 (PA) UAE President Cup, run over 2,150 meters at Duindigt on Sunday - the 8th leg of the Arabian Purebred Classic Series.

Already a Gr.1 (PA) winner over 2000m at 3, and winner of a Gr.3 (PA) over 1900m during that same season, the now 5-year-old Purebred Arabian produced a thrilling last-to-first performance for trainer Jean De Mieulle and owner Al Shaqab Racing, under Olivier d’Andigne.

In a race led at a good pace by Al Zeer (Al Mamun Monlau), Afjan missed the break and settled at the rear of the field. Still last entering the home straight, he needed time to find his rhythm, but once into top gear, he surged wide past his rivals with real authority. 

Digging deep inside the final 100m, Afjan caught the long-time leader in the final strides to win by a neck. Ska de l’Aigle (Al Mourtajez) stayed on well for third.