The horse Al Maraq, representing Shadwell, delivered a precious victory for the United Arab Emirates by claiming the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, run over 1,200 metres on the final day of the prestigious Royal Ascot festival in Britain.
Al Maraq secured the title under jockey Tom Marquand and trainer William Haggas, after a thrilling battle at the finish line that was decided by a photo finish, clocking a time of 1:11.82 and winning by a nose from runner-up Satono Reve in second place.
Sheikha Hessa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum received the trophy from Queen Camilla in the presence of King Charles III, King of the United Kingdom, Sheikh Maktoum bin Majid bin Obaid Al Maktoum, and a distinguished gathering of owners, trainers, and horse racing enthusiasts.
Sheikha Hessa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed her delight at the victory, confirming that Al Maraq had produced an outstanding performance in the sprint race despite returning from an earlier injury. In an interview on Dubai Racing Channel, she said the champion had proven his abilities at the highest level by winning a Group 1 race, noting that the run had been a true test of his potential against an elite field of horses, and adding that his next destination would be determined in coordination with the trainer according to the most suitable programme for him.
Al Maraq's victory served as the crowning finale to the UAE horses' participation, with the string shining across the festival's most prestigious races throughout the five-day meeting. The campaign opened with Bao Echo winning the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes, before Godolphin's Ombudsman retained the Prince of Wales's Stakes title, with Al Maraq completing the picture in the most notable closing chapter of the festival.