Abaad, with jockey Leo Roussel in the saddle, on his way to win in Angers. Pic: Jean Charles Briens
Angers, France: Carrying the colours of his owner Khalid Rashid Al Mohannadi, the two-year-old colt Abaad (Olympic Glory x Money Royale) put up a tough performance to take the Prix La Koumia (Maiden) in Angers on Friday.
Having put up a fine performance on debut to finish second at Nantes earlier in the month, the Edouard Monfort-trained colt went one better at Angers, taking the spoils under strong ride from apprentice jockey Leo Roussel.
Always close to the pace for the 1,600m contest, Abaad was slotted in behind early leader Madras (Markaz). With a good gallop being set in front, Abaad travelled well for Roussel. Joined on his outside by Arcos Vancouver (George Vancouver) on the turn for home, Abaad was momentarily boxed in by his rival and forfeited first run to the leading pair.
Off the bridle on entering the straight, Abaad looked held by the leading pair, but once switched to the outside began to run on. Madras and Arcos Vancouver were locked together inside the final 200m, but Abaad powered down the outside and swept through to lead in the closing stages. Abaad went on to win by a quarter of a length at the finish, from Madras who took second. Arcos Vancouver faded towards the finish and finished a further three lengths back in third.
Bred by his owner, Abaad is by Haras de Bouquetot stallion Olympic Glory (Choisir). His dam, Money Royale (Cape Cross) won her maiden at Cholet. The second dam LunaRoyale (Royale Applause) won listed race at Vichy.
