Sweden, Jägersro 17 October 2024
The Wathba Stallions Sprint Cup, a Listed race for Arabian thoroughbreds, brought together a high-caliber and internationally diverse field of competitors. Last year’s winner and the heavy favorite, Wasmy Al Khalediah, struggled to maintain his dominance as Belgian contender Farida P (Al Mourtajez X Hania Da) unleashed a powerful sprint in the final 150 meters. Ridden by jockey Fabien Lefebvre for trainer, owner, and breeder Peter Deckers, the five-year-old mare claimed a decisive victory.
Lefebvre noted, “The pace was quite fast from the start, but when Farida P kicked, she did it with ease.”
At the start, Wasmy Al Khalediah took the lead and was soon joined by Hasard De Faust, creating a strong early pace. However, Farida P, placed comfortably in third, waited for the opportune moment. In the final stretch, the daughter of Al Mourtajez surged ahead, leaving the leaders behind and securing a straightforward win.
Farida P recently participated in the prestigious Qatar Arabian World Cup at French Longchamp, one of the most prominent races for Arabian thoroughbreds. Although she performed admirably, the competition there proved too challenging. Still, she has now added a Group 3 win and two Listed races to her record. There had been some concerns from Peter Decker’s stable regarding the shorter sprint distance, as Farida P had not previously raced at distances under 1,500 meters. However, the mare clearly adapted to the challenge, showcasing her versatility and speed.
