Jockey Jean-Bernard Eyquem and Laffan lead the race.
Doha, Qatar: Al Wasmiyah Racing’s homebred Laffan (Af Al Buraq) won the Gr.2 (PA) contest for three-year-olds over 1600 metres at the Gr.2 (PA) Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes was run at La Teste, France, yesterday.
Ahmed Aman Alla Al-Sheebani, Director of QREC Support Services Department, presented the trophies to the winners of the event which was sponsored by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC).
The Purebred Arabian colt is trained by François Rohaut and was ridden on the occasion by Jean-Bernard Eyquem. The race brought together a field of seven runners and marked just the second career start for Laffan, who, under Eyquem as well, had made a successful debut last month over the same trip at Bordeaux. Stepping straight into Group company, the son of Af Al Buraq remained unbeaten with another polished display.
The connections of Laffan celebrate with the trophies after winning the Gr.2 (PA) contest for three-year-olds at the Gr.2 (PA) Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes.
The early pace was not particularly strong, with Mansour de Faust (Mister Ginoux) taking up the lead and Ghazan Du Soleil (Gazwan) tracking in second. Favourite Laffan was caught three wide without cover, but travelled well despite his position. Eyquem kept him relaxed throughout and began to move closer as they approached the final turn.
Once balanced at the top of the straight, Laffan moved up smoothly to take the lead. He responded gamely when asked and maintained a narrow advantage to the line, holding off fast-finishing rivals.
Amjaad (Azadi), owned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Thomas Fourcy and ridden by Mme Margot Romary, came flying late to take second, beaten only a head. Motus De l’Aigle (Mister Ginoux), representing Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, trained by Mme Jf. Bernard and partnered by Valentin Seguy, also finished strongly to claim a very close third in a thrilling finish, just a short head further behind.
Once again, the top three placings went to Qatari-owned runners - mirroring the result less than 24 hours earlier in the QREC-sponsored Gr1 P/A Qatar Purebred Arabian 4YO Derby at Chantilly.
