Aeon’s Aegis powers to victory in the Thoroughbred Derby Trial at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Aeon’s Aegis showcased a commanding display in the Thoroughbred Derby Trial for 3YOs over 2100m, securing his second win in three starts this campaign at Al Uqda Racecourse yesterday.
Owned by Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Rashid Al-Thani and trained by Mohammed Al Ghazali, the gelding was settled patiently before Soufiane Saadi unleashed him in the home straight. Aeon’s Aegis swept past his rivals one by one, hitting the front 100m from the line and scoring impressively by five lengths, giving Saadi a quick-fire double to end the evening.
Mureb made his second start of the season count with a hard-fought win in the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 4YOs over 2100m. Owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by Alban de Mieulle, the grey gelding surged on the line under Saadi to claim victory by the narrowest of margins. Mac’zoom Al Shahania finished second, sealing a third triumph on the night for the winning connections.
Soufiane Saadi rides Mureb to victory.
Zah’ran Al Shahania remained unbeaten with another polished performance, winning the National Derby Trial for 4YO Local Purebred Arabians over 2100m. Owned by North Racing, the bay gelding travelled prominently before quickening in the final 300m to win by 1½ lengths. Following his debut win last week, he made it two from two, completing a quick-fire double for trainer Hamad Al-Jehani and jockey Pierre Charles Boudot.
Blessed Star broke her maiden in style in the Thoroughbred Oaks Trial for 3YO fillies over 2100m. Representing Al Falah Stud, the bay filly travelled smoothly before digging deep in the final 100m to win a three-way battle by 1¼ lengths. Trained by Hamad Al-Jehani—who secured the Oaks title for a second straight year—she was guided to victory by Boudot.
Chdia delivered a decisive win in the Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial for 4YO fillies over 2100m, finishing three lengths clear and completing a quick-fire double for her owner, trainer, and jockey. Following last year’s success with Divana Chica, the result preserved their hold on the title, with Intisar De Monlau (Al Mamun Monlau) finishing second for a 1-2 sweep.
Head of QREC Racing Operations Section Rashid Saed Adiba crowned the connections of Aeon’s Aegis. PICS: Juhaim/QREC
Best Way made a striking debut, retaining the 3YO Local Thoroughbred Trial title for the same owner–trainer–jockey combination as last year’s winner, War Boy. Despite a late break in the 1400m contest, the Wathnan Racing colt gained momentum and surged past his rivals to win by two lengths under a perfectly measured ride from James Doyle.
Keheilah Al Sakab delivered a commanding performance in the Local Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial for 4YO fillies over 2100m, securing her second win in four starts. Owned by Khalid Hamad Al-Atteya and trained by Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya, the grey filly tracked the leader before sweeping past in the home straight under Alberto Sanna to win by 3½ lengths.
Dhariya extended her perfect Qatar record with a polished win in the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 3YOs over 1400m. Representing Al Shaqab Racing for trainer Jean de Mieulle, the grey filly quickened in the final furlong under Faleh Bughenaim to claim her second career win by half a length in just her third start.
Hay’er Al Shahania showcased trademark consistency with a determined display in the Local Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 3YOs over 1400m.
Owned by Mansoor Mesfer Al-Shahwani and trained by Abdulla Mesfer Al-Shahwani, the grey colt surged late under Jefferson Smith to secure victory by three-quarters of a length, his second career win alongside three placed efforts in six starts.
