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| Staff Writer |
A comprehensive review of UAE's premier racing festival featuring three Group One contests and international challengers
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Heros De Lagarde delivered a commanding performance in the Group One HH The President Cup, cementing trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami's reputation for preparing horses for the greatest occasions. The 7YO, advancing his record to seven wins from 22 starts, mastered a high-quality international field with a 2.2-length victory, stopping the clock at an impressive 2:27.50.
"We've been trying for quite a while now. Having Heros De Lagarde win it now is sensational, especially with the race's new format," said Al Warith, son of trainer Ibrahim Al Hadhrami. "The prize money is much bigger now, and it's become an invitational race attracting many runners from all over the world. It's truly been a dream come true."
Under Connor Beasley's guidance, the son of AF Albahar outclassed his rivals, including the favourite Abbes, who could manage only eighth despite his impressive record of 14 wins from 27 starts. Suny Du Loup, trained by Hamad Al Marar, claimed second under Bernardo Pinheiro, while Bahwan secured third with Ray Dawson aboard.
Speaking about the winner's champion qualities, Al Warith enthused, "He's incredibly versatile, with both speed and stamina. Champion horses aren't just those that win big races. True champions are horses with the best mentality; they are horses that can develop their own race. They don't require perfect conditions — they create their own conditions."
Despite his age, Heros De Lagarde continues to improve. "Every time he races, he improves, and each win is more impressive than the last," noted Al Warith. "The season before last, he won a Listed race. Last season, he started winning Group races. This season, he's won a Group Three, then a Group Two, and now a Group One. Looking at his age, I think he's at his peak now."
Al Doha, representing French interests for trainer Thomas Fourcy, put up a noteworthy performance, finishing sixth against male opponents despite the weight disadvantage. Fellow French raider Ch'ezza, trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, secured fourth place, emphasising the strong international presence.
The biggest surprise came from Asfan Al Khalediah, whose outstanding record of 15 wins from 17 starts took a hit as he finished tenth under Abdullah Alawfi. The Saudi Arabian challenger never looked comfortable throughout the contest.
The Abu Dhabi Derby witnessed an exceptional display from the unbeaten HM Alchahine, who maintained his perfect record with a commanding victory. Under Adrie de Vries, the Helal Alalawi-trained colt made the class upgrade appear routine, stopping the clock at 2:28.13 in testing conditions.
French influence was evident as Molfit, another progeny of Al Mourtajez, secured second place. James Doyle, riding for French trainer Francois Rohaut, positioned his mount perfectly but couldn't challenge the winner's 2.48-length superiority. The margin actually flattered the runner-up, as de Vries appeared to ease his mount in the closing stages.
Jina'an showed significant improvement. He finished third for trainer Majed Al Jahoori under Silvestre De Sousa, building on previous promising form and suggesting more success when kept to this trip. RB Yas Man, trained by Ahmed Al Balushi, completed the frame in fourth, beaten by just over five lengths, underlining the winner's superiority over his generation.
Notable disappointments included Africa De Monlau, who finished a remote thirteenth, and Sand Storm AA, the Ernst Oertel-trained filly who never got into the race. The withdrawal of progressive filly HM Chamikha robbed the contest of an intriguing subplot.
The Gr.1 HH The President Cup for Thoroughbreds saw Make Me King deliver a polished performance, providing James Doyle and trainer Hamad Al Jehani with a notable victory. The gelding Dark Angel exhibited his class with a three-quarter length triumph, recording 1:22.66, marking him as a serious contender for major prizes in the region.
Marbaan, under Ben Coen, emerged as the primary challenger for Michael Costa's yard. The colt Oasis Dream secured second place by making just his sixth UAE appearance, showing enough talent to suggest future success in similar contests.
The veteran Laneqash claimed third for Bhupat Seemar and Jim Crowley, with stablemate Western Writer following closely in fourth, separated by just a nose. The first five home finished within two lengths, highlighting the competitive nature of this year's renewal.
Blue Trail, the highest-rated runner at 110, disappointed when finishing tenth under Patrick Cosgrave, failing to justify his official mark despite previous consistency at this level.
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The day's opening Abu Dhabi Turf Club Handicap saw ES Jenjal claiming victory under Sandro Paiva for trainer Abubakar Daud, holding off AF Mathakeel by 0.4 lengths. Race favourite RB Heads-Up finished third under Daniel Tudhope despite encountering traffic problems in the straight.
The Yas Sprint produced a surprise as Posuelo PY stormed home under Szczepan Mazur for Hamad Al Jehani, denying Maahir in a pulsating finish. Munir Du Soleil stayed on for third under Connor Beasley, while multiple Group winner AF Alajaj ran solidly in fourth under Tadhg O'Shea.
The UAE Breeders' Cup saw favourite AL Laith justify his position with an authoritative performance under Ben Coen for trainer Ahmed Al Mehairbi. The 5YO secured his sixth career success from 15 starts, defeating Bassam Al Wathba, who ran above his official rating to claim second for Majed Al Jahoori and Silvestre De Sousa.
This prestigious meeting showcased the depth of talent in UAE racing, particularly highlighting the emerging strength of locally-trained runners against international competition. The success of HM Alchahine in the Derby points to a bright future, with trainer Helal Alalawi hinting at international targets, though immediate plans remain fluid.
The meeting's strategic position in the global racing calendar continues to attract high-quality international runners, establishing Abu Dhabi as a key winter destination for the world's leading owners and trainers. The success of this year's renewal, featuring strong representation from France, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, suggests this trend will only strengthen in the years ahead.
HM Alchahine's Derby performance suggests he could be a force at the highest level for seasons to come. His combination of tactical speed, stamina, and an apparently bombproof temperament marks him one of the most exciting prospects in UAE racing.
The depth of young talent on display, particularly in the Derby and President Cup divisions, suggests that UAE racing continues to strengthen its position on the international stage. The meeting's timing, positioning it as a key winter target for international challengers, adds another dimension to the global racing calendar.