PARIS: Running in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing – who own the horse in partnership with Coolmore - Ruler of The World made a winning return in the Qatar Prix Foy (Gr2).
Quickly to the front under Frankie Dettori, Ruler of the World held off Group winners Flintshire and Spiritjim in the straight.
Ruler of the World had been absent from the track since the Dubai World Cup (Gr1) at the end of March.
He had the quality to win the Epsom Derby (Gr1) in 2013 and now looks a candidate for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Harry Herbert, manager of Al Shaqab Racing, declared:
“It is real teamwork. The horse had not run since Dubai and Frankie rode him very well. Ruler of the World has earned his place in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.”
Ruler of the World beat the record for the Prix Foy in 2’26’’93.
Al Shaqab Racing won three Group races on Sunday at Longchamp and Harry Herbert commented:
“It is an amazing day for Sheikh Joaan and his team. Winning three Group races on an important day like Arc Trials day is really fantastic.”
The new representative of Al Shaqab Racing, Ectot made a big impression in the Qatar Prix Niel (Gr2). Sat out the back, he then left his rivals in his wake when turning into the straight.
His first start over the 2,400m was a success and Ectot will be a serious candidate for the upcoming Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The winner had not run for 154 days since his win in the Prix de Fontainebleau (Gr3). He will be fresh for his objective which is a clear bonus.
His trainer Elie Lellouche explained after this Qatar Prix Niel: “Ectot had to show something today ahead of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and he did not disappoint,” said Lellouche.
“I think he will improve for the run. He had to make his move early as he had no leader in the straight. He eased up a little in the finish but that is because he lacks experience. He wanted to run and I always thought he would stay the trip.”
All eyes were on Al Shaqab Racing’s Treve in the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Gr1).
The titleholder of this Group 1, Treve made a brave final effort on the outside but could not catch the leaders and finished fourth.
Christiane Head-Maarek, her trainer, felt this run was encouraging and Treve’s objective remains the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe:
“The filly made a good return to the track. She did not have a perfect run on the outside but she didn’t finish that far back,” she said.
This Qatar Prix Vermeille was won by Baltic Baroness, for whom it was a first Gr1 success. Her jockey Maxime Guyon commented:
“We had a super run in behind the leader. Mr. Fabre decided not to run her in Deauville because of the going. She needs good ground like today.”AGENCIES
