Spencer strikes in Qatar with Brian Meehan-trained Perkunas
Tuesday 29 December 2015 21:21, UK
Brian Meehan broke new ground on Tuesday when Perkunas became the first European-trained winner in Qatar.
The Meehan-trained colt landed the feature race on the opening day of the International Derby festival, the US$100,000 Al Rayyan Stakes under a well-judged ride from Jamie Spencer.
The other European runner, the Tom Dascombe-trained Above N Beyond, ran on under Martin Harley to finish in third place.
Meehan commented: "I am obviously delighted to have our first-ever runner and winner in Qatar. I thought it was a very good ride from Jamie Spencer and am delighted for the owner, Bernard Gover."
Wednesday's big race is the US$500,000 Qatar Derby for three year old colts, geldings and fillies, run over a mile and a quarter.
