The world’s best Arabian racehorse Al Ghadeer won a thrilling race for the HH The Amir Sword at Al Rayyan Racecourse in Doha, Qatar on Saturday.
The victory secured the son of Al Mourtajez, owned by Al Shaqab Racing, the prestigious Arabian Triple Crown after victory over a mile in last August’s Qatar International Cup at Goodwood in the UK, over 1m2f in the Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp at the QOAT meeting in October and over 1m4f on Saturday.
It was four abreast coming around the home bend in the Sword, but talent shone through with five-year-old Al Ghadeer and last year’s Sword winner Abbes going clear.
It was a dynamic run to the line with a head-to-head down the straight, the two huge talents both all out for glory, but with the younger Al Ghadeer, trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, was always just holding the grey.
winning trainer, Francois Rohaut:
“This is a such a special feeling. Al Ghadeer just won a Triple Crown, in three countries, over three distances and three very different ground conditions… what an achievement!
“The pressure was rising before the event, but the horse proved to be really easy to handle, even if he is not showing much in the morning. And he has not raced since October, so I was a bit concerned of not having him ready for the big race.
“Having said that, he is a real pro. I believe we will enjoy his presence for a long time. The pace was acceptable, he just tried to pull a little for 100m. Pacemakers have done their job. The race was ideal. As usual he was a bit earlier than expected in front. He likes to gallop, you don’t want to worry him. Being more mature, he’s doing his job and also uses his intelligence.
“I wish we could come back in Doha and do the same next year. Before you try a horse, you don’t know is he says the trip. We hoped he would stay. And he did.
“Christophe Soumillon proved to be very patient and he has not asked him the effort too early. It would be great to achieve a second Triple Crown next year as he is really the best purebred Arabian in training around the world. Now, he will have holidays.”
