Fakhira (front) with Christophe Soumillon in the saddle competes during the 1900m race.
Doha, Qatar: The four-year-old filly Fakhira confirmed her considerable talent with a determined victory win the 1900m contest, the Gr.1 (PA) Criterium Des Pouliches - Yas Racing at La Teste. A race for Purebred Arabian fillies and mares aged four and older, bringing her record to three wins from four career starts.
Trained by Thomas Fourcy, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and carrying the colours of Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, the filly had remained unbeaten during her three-year-old campaign, winning both of her starts over 2000m and 2100m.
She made a highly encouraging return to action at Chantilly when finishing third against the colts in the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 Ans. This time, back against fillies and mares, she fully delivered on that promise with a courageous victory. She is now a Gr.1 (PA) winner.
Fakhira broke cleanly from the gates and was settled comfortably in fifth position in a race led by Bianca De Ghazal. The order remained largely unchanged during the early stages, with the leader controlling proceedings at the head of the field.
The tempo began to increase approaching the final bend, but Fakhira was still travelling extremely strongly, with Soumillon yet to ask her for a serious effort. Bianca De Ghazal remained in front, while Geneva moved up on her outside to challenge for the lead.
Inside the final 300m, Fakhira smoothly made her way to the front while still appearing to have plenty in reserve. Geneva continued to apply pressure on her outside, as TS Waseema began to deliver her challenge along the inside rail.
The three runners became locked together during a thrilling final furlong. Fakhira was forced to dig deep, but she found extra in the closing strides to prevail by a head.
Geneva produced a brave performance to finish second, while TS Waseema completed the placings in third.
Bred by Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari, Fakhira is by Al Mamun Monlau out of Falsafah, a winner over 1200m in Qatar at the age of four.
Fakhira is a half-sister to Al Safinat and Najashee.
