Four-year-old filly Fakhira secured a notable victory in the Group 1 Purebred Arabian (PA) Criterium Des Pouliches held at La Teste, further establishing herself among the top fillies in her category. The race, contested over 1900 meters, featured a field of seven quality Purebred Arabian fillies and mares aged four years and older.

Trained by Thomas Fourcy and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, Fakhira carried the colors of Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. With this win, she improved her career tally to three wins from just four starts, building on an undefeated three-year-old campaign that included victories over 2000 and 2100 meters.

Fakhira’s success at La Teste followed a promising start to the season, where she finished third against colts in the Group 1 Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 Ans at Chantilly. Returning to a race restricted to fillies and mares, she delivered an assertive performance to claim her first Group 1 PA victory.

The race began with Bianca De Ghazal setting a measured pace while the rest of the field, including Fakhira, maintained their positions. Approaching the home turn, the tempo increased with Geneva joining Bianca De Ghazal in challenging for the lead. Fakhira, however, was still traveling strongly under Soumillon without being fully urged.

Entering the final 300 meters, Fakhira moved to the front and engaged in a closely fought battle with Geneva on the outside and TS Waseema, ridden by Mister Ginoux, on the inside rail. Despite strong challenges from her rivals, Fakhira demonstrated resilience and determination, finding extra energy in the closing strides to win by a head over Geneva. TS Waseema finished third.

Bred by Sheail bin Khalifa al-Kuwari, Fakhira is sired by Al Mamun Monlau and out of Falsafah, a mare who won over 1200 meters in Qatar. She is also a half-sister to notable horses Al Safinat and Najashee, adding further strength to her pedigree. This latest Group 1 triumph highlights Fakhira’s growing stature in the Purebred Arabian racing scene.