Olivier Peslier guiding Mutabahi to victory. Pic: Studio Henri Durand
Doha: Owned by H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, the progressive Mutabahi (French Fifteen x Marina Piccola) maintained his unbeaten record at Lyon-Parilly, France, when taking the Prix Robert De Grandry, a Class 2 contest for three-year-olds, yesterday.
Trained by Henri Alex Pantall and ridden to success by Olivier Peslier, Mutabahi won his second race from only five starts this season.
Ridden towards the rear of the five runners on his first attempt at 2,400m, the chestnut colt always travelled well in the hands of Peslier.
A steady pace was set by Rock Joyeux (Rock OfGibralter) and there was very little change to the order throughout the first half of the tactical race. Abraaj (Shalaa) was always close to the pace and moved up to challenge Rock Joyeux on the turn for home.
Still travelling well, Mutabahi followed the move. Abraaj took the advantage 400m out as the sprint for home began, but he always looked covered by Mutabahi, who closed steadily and led 50m from the line. Mutabahi went on win cosily by quarter a length from Saboor (Beladro) who headed Abraaj by a nose on the post.
Bred by Haras De Victot, Mutabahi is by French Fifteen (Turtle Bowl), who also carried the colours of H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani.
His dam Marina Piccola (Halling) was a listed winner over 2,400m at ParisLongchamp and has produced the German Group One winner French King (French Fifteen), who coincidentally, like Mutabahi, also broke his maiden at Lyon-Parilly.
