17 June 2018
Photo scoopdyga.com
Rodess du Loup (Dahess) was the undisputed winner of the Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4ans (Gr1 PA), imitating his companion in training Nafees, the winner in 2017. The colt, wearing Khalifa Al Attiyah’s colours and trained by Charles Gourdain, tracked the leader before outpacing him in the straight. Rijm (Azadi) quickened well to claim 2nd place and Hajres (Nizam) snatched the favourite’s chance at the being placed.
Comments on the run
- 1st – Rodess du Loup: Traveled in 3rd position and quickened impressively in the straight. He weaved through the runners and put daylight between him and the pack in the final furlongs. He won with ease.
- 2nd – Rijm: Broke well, made his run with the leaders and finished well in 2nd place.
- 3rd – Hajres: Sat in 3rd place on the inside before quickening halfway down the straight.
- 4rth – Rajeh: Sat in 4th place and made a push in the straight but couldn’t match the leaders.
- 5th – Akoya: Kept his pace in the lead but faded badly.
- 6th – Goumoh: Made his run at rear end of the pack, no extra.
- 7th – Saleh: Travelled in last place, never any impression.
- 8th – Mashur Al Khalediah: Prominent early then faded and kept on same pace.
- 9th – Dynamites: Never any impression.
- 10th – Loskhar: Every chance, no extra.
What they said ...
Charles Gourdain (Trainer of Rodess du Loup, 1st)
“An exceptional horse who we really like. I bought him last year. He ran very well towards the end of the year, but his comeback race was complicated: I made a mistake putting blinkers on him because he was cold. With these, he ran too keenly and used up too much energy.
Today, without blinkers, he found his old form again. Christophe Soumillon’s ride equally helped. Now, he is certain to run the right race in Qatar, after an attempt in England.”
Christophe Soumillon (jockey of Rodess du Loup, 1st)
“Rodess du Loup was very generous. Physically, he is not a big horse, but he has many strong points. He weakened when I asked him too. We had a good run. I always able to pull out and go on in progression. After, I was afraid of being prominent too early, but he was very courageous.”
Thomas Fourcy (Trainer of Rijm, 2nd)
“He ran very well. His jockey was told to ride him for a place and the horse listened to him in the home straight. He quickened generously. The winner had a better run than we did, but not to Rijm’s discredit. I am very satisfied with this race. He is a small horse who needs time between each race and puts a lot of effort in. I will see how he is after this race before making a decision on his next step.”
Elisabeth Bernard (Trainer for Hajres, 3rd)
“I am disappointed. The jockey and the horse ran a dream race. He didn’t pull. But he kept on the same pace and failed to quicken. He came 3rd too late. I think he was used to running on sand and the ground was not good for him. He will run the Groupe over 2.000m in La Teste and after I would like to run him in England.”
Roll of honour
Année Lauréat Entraîneur Propriétaire Jockey Temps
2018 Rodess du Loup C. Gourdain Khalifa Al Attiyah C. Soumillon 2’10’’78
2017 Nafees C. Gourdain Ecuries Royales d’Oman O. Peslier 2’11’’06
2016 Alsaker Mme J.-F. Bernard Ecuries Royales d’Oman J. Augé 2’12’’87
2015 Mister Ginoux T. Fourcy Al Shaqab Racing G. Benoist 2’11’’18