Purr primed for Qatar Sheikh

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani added to his shopping list in Europe this week with a half-share in Purr Along.

The William Muir trained filly had won the G3 Prix du Calvados at Deauville prior to a head second to divisional leader Certify (Elusive Quality) in the G2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster.

Purr Along (2f Mount Nelson – Purring by Mountain Cat) will carry Sheikh Joaan’s colours in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp this Sunday.

“I’m absolutely delighted for everyone involved,” Muir told Racing Post.  “The current owners didn’t want to sell the whole lot so the deal is perfect and it’s exciting to welcome such a big owner to the yard.  I couldn’t be happier with her, everything has gone to plan since Doncaster and we’re looking forward to the Boussac.”

Sheikh Joaan bought G2 Vintage Stakes winner Olympic Glory (Choisir) last month and the colt is heading for the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at the Arc meeting.  The Qatar based owner was also busy at the Arqana August yearling sale purchasing colts by High Chaparral (220,000 euros) and Pastoral Pursuits (150,000 euros).

Sheikh Joaan is a brother of Sheikh Fahad who owns 2011 Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden.