DOHA (Qatar): The talented and consistent DUHAIL (Lope de Vega x Single), who carries the Al Shaqab Racing silks, finally and deservedly won his first Group race in the Prix du Mugeut (Gr.2) at Saint-Cloud last Saturday.
Running over a mile, he won by ½ lengths in front of PRETEVILLE (Acclamation x Pegase Hurry), with the classy VICTOR LUDORUM (Shamardal) in third. Jockey Vincent Cheminaud sat him in fourth from the off, with PRETEVILLE leading proceedings. In the straight, DUHAIL came quickly to the lead and galloped strongly through the line.
DUHAIL began his year win in the Prix Anabaa, a Class 1 at Chantilly on the 2nd March, followed by a second place over this course and distance in the Group 3 Prix Edmond Blanc on the 3rd April.
“A lot of work has gone into this horse”, explained jockey Vincent Cheminaud. “To have him here today and finally winning his Group is just super! You can’t imagine how happy I am. He was really professional today. There was some pace and that helped us. He flew in the finish! I was sure that the mile would suit him. I think that he is really coming into his best now. I hope that he will continue in this direction and win his Group 1.”
Racing manager to Al Shaqab Racing in France, Rupert Pritchard Gordon commented, “He is a horse that Mr Fabre rated really highly as a 3-year-old, but he had a few niggling problems as he wasn’t really mature. He’s repaid everyone’s patience today. An easy mile on a turn is probably his best, but he’s very versatile. He goes on any ground. He is entered in the Queen
Anne at Royal Ascot. The Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood could also suit him.”
By the top sire Lope de Vega, DUHAIL was bred by Lynch-Bages and Camas Park Stud. SINGLE, his dam, was runner up in the Prix d’Aumale (Gr2). The second dam produced four Stakes performers, including ZANTENDA, third in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Gr1). He was bought at the Arqana Breeze Up 2018 by Al Shaqab Racing.
