French-trained Deryan (FR) broke the track record when he lifted the US$750 000 Gr1 Dubai Kahayla Classic Sponsored by Mubadala, the opener on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan on Saturday, in 2 minutes 11,87 seconds.
Ridden by former French champion jockey Ioritz Mendizabal, the 6-year-old had secured a perfect position on the rail, just off the pace, and easily picked up the leader AF Alwajel 200m from the winning post to win by three-quarters of a length from the Ernst Oertel-trained AF Alwajel, while Mubasher Al Khalediah finished a further three and a half lengths back in third.
French runner Deryan takes the Dubai Kahayla Classic in a rapid time at Meydan (CPic – DRC & Mathea Kelley)
“He did it really well this time,” said winning trainer Didier Guillemin, who had lifted the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on the same card with The Right Man in 2017. “He was quite nervous last time when he ran in Riyadh. This time, he was much calmer and we rode him differently, a little further back. I’m extremely proud to win a Group 1 here and to win it for owner Sheikh Mansour is just amazing.”
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nayan is not only the owner but also the breeder of the chestnut and wins this race for the second time after Rabbah De Carrère lifted the trophy in 2014.
For Ioritz Mendizabal it was a first victory in this dirt race and he said: “Last time in Riyadh, I was outside and he didn’t gallop and relax. Today I spoke to the trainer and he said it was important, after (leaving) the gate to stop him and relax behind horses. He galloped and relaxed and after the first corner, I was in the (right spot). Turning (into the straight), I knew I would win.”
H.E Abdalla Al Marar, Didier Guillemin and Ioritz Mendizabal accept the trophies for the PA Group 1, Dubai Kahayla Classic, March 27, 2021 (Pic – DRC & Neville Hopwood)
