1 October 2023
Photo scoopdyga.com
Al Ghadeer, the favourite in the Qatar Arabian World Cup – equivalent of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for the purebred Arabians - won the race without any hesitation and with grandeur. Riding in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, Al Ghadeer recorded his seventh Group race win and his fifth Group 1 for Purebred Arabians, the best level of racing. It is the second win in this race for his trainer, François Rohaut, based in Pau (Pyrenees – the Atlantic), who won the first-ever edition of this race in 2008 with Lahib.
Al Doha, trained in Royan by Thomas Fourcy, winner of this race the last three times, took second place. Third place went to Ch’Ezza, also trained by François Rohaut.
With this victory, Al Shaqab Racing continues its foray at the Group 1 level reserved for purebred Arabians this weekend, just as Nour Al Maury won on Saturday in the Qatar Arabian Trophy for Mares, while Afjan ex-Mahboop and Norma Al Maury respectively won on Friday, in Saint-Cloud, the Qatar Arabian Trophy for colts and the Qatar Arabian Trophy for fillies.
Reaction from connections
François Rohaut (trainer of Al Ghadeer, 1st, and Ch’Ezza, 3rd) – Pau (Pyrénées -Atlantic)
« The Team has put their heart and souls into training the three horses who have responded here. The race was magnificent. The race missed a little rhythm, and Al Ghadeer started a little slow. Then he relaxed, and it was all easy. He took the lead with ease all the way to the end. It is magic. Ch'Ezza ran magnificently well, as usual. And the seasoned Rajeh showed an extraordinary race. I love Arabian horses; it is a joy. We have seen a champion. The Qataris do a lot for racing in France. They deserve the most respect. Al Ghadeer is a horse out of the ordinary. He deserves to win today. I hope that he remains healthy and well for a long time so that he can win all the big races in the future, one of which is this World Cup. He has an extraordinary mentality. He will go to the third stage of the Triple Crown in Doha this winter. »
Thomas Fourcy (trainer of Al Doha, 2nd) – La Palmyre (Charente-Maritime)
« Al Doha is very, very good. She is out of this world. As I already said before the race, the filly was at her best, and she could put Al Ghadeer under pressure. That is what she did. She has progressed again. In Chantilly, Al Ghadeer won by six lengths ahead of Al Doha, and today, it was only two lengths. My protégé progresses and matures well. Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani was present, and he asked me if she could run 2,400m in Doha, in Emir’s Sword, a distance which would not trouble her. February last, I was not in favour of entering it. We had to leave her be. But in 2024, with maturity and age, she will attempt a run in the Emir’s Sword. »