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| Staff Writer |
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Wathnan Racing's principal trainer, Alban De Mieulle, is methodically preparing his string for the upcoming The H.H. The Amir Sword Festival , where defending champion Abbes and leading Thoroughbred Supercooled head a formidable team for Qatar's showpiece racing event. Speaking from his Al Rayyan base, where his stable stars are being fine-tuned for their respective targets, the French-born trainer discusses his strategic approach for a meeting that has already yielded significant success.
With the US$2.5 million The H.H. The Amir Sword Festival for Purebred Arabians and the US$1 million H.H. The Amir Trophy for Thoroughbreds headlining the February spectacle, De Mieulle is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation. "For the Arabian horses, we will see after their performance this Saturday. Supercooled will aim directly for the H.H. The Amir Trophy," he reveals, mapping out his calculated path to the festival.
"We never know what can happen, but until now, everything is going very well, and the horses are running well. From now until the end of the season, many things can happen, so we'll try our best to maintain this momentum."
The trainer's immediate focus is on the upcoming festival, where his stable star, Abbes, will attempt to reclaim glory in the The H.H. The Amir Sword Festival . De Mieulle's approach reveals a deep understanding of his horses' capabilities. "We know Abbes is not a versatile horse, so we have to continue with our current approach," he explains, discussing the recent disappointment in Abu Dhabi, where his champion struggled without cover.
Supercooled emerges as another fascinating prospect for the yard, with De Mieulle confirming the horse will head straight to the H.H. The Amir Trophy without a preparatory run. Meanwhile, the strong contingent, including Molfit, RB Mary Lylah, and Simca Mille, are set to test their mettle this Saturday, offering crucial insights into their festival chances.
The trainer's methodology reflects years of experience understanding the subtle differences between preparing Arabians and Thoroughbreds. His success lies in tailoring training regimens to individual horses while maintaining a consistent approach to their overall development. This Saturday's festival serves as a crucial stepping stone, with De Mieulle carefully managing his horses' preparations to peak at the right time.
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The story of De Mieulle's success extends beyond Qatar's borders. Each year, he orchestrates a carefully planned European campaign, selecting his finest Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians for the competitive summer season in France. This strategic approach has contributed to Wathnan Racing's meteoric rise, including their historic victory with Courage Mon Ami in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, marking their first Group One success in Britain.
The French native's training philosophy extends beyond the Gulf region. Each summer, he returns to his homeland with a select string of Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians. "We'll select horses based on suitable racing programmes in Europe," he explains. "For Arabians, we already have young stock in France, so we'll continue working with them there. We'll also bring two or three of the best Arabian horses from Qatar, and of course, we'll take more Thoroughbreds to France."
The trainer's European sojourns have proven invaluable in developing his horses' capabilities. "The training they get in France, on those surfaces and in that weather, makes them stronger when they return to Qatar," De Mieulle explains. This international perspective has shaped his training philosophy, combining European techniques with his deep understanding of preparing horses for the unique conditions of Gulf racing.
"It will be very difficult to beat the champion horses, but of course, we will compete with our best. We are targeting this race and will try our best."
De Mieulle's consecutive championship titles in 2022-23 and 2023-24 have solidified his position as Qatar's leading trainer. His pragmatic approach to success is refreshing. "We're not specifically targeting the series - we just want to win races," he explains. This philosophy has served him well, contributing to Wathnan Racing's remarkable achievements, including subsequent international triumphs with Subsanador in the Gr.1 California Crown at Santa Anita and Kind Of Blue in the Gr.1 British Champions Sprint at Ascot.
The success of Wathnan Racing under De Mieulle's guidance represents a significant milestone in Qatar's racing evolution. Named after a beloved desert Arabian stallion from Al Thani family folklore, Wathnan has rapidly emerged as a global force since its establishment in October 2022. The operation's distinctive old gold and peacock blue silks have become synonymous with excellence, largely thanks to De Mieulle's expertise.
His approach to post-festival planning demonstrates the strategic thinking that has become his hallmark. While some horses may head to Dubai subject to invitations, he's cautious about Saudi engagements due to the tight scheduling. "The Saudi race is just one week after - very close. Given the short recovery time, I don't think I will send many horses," he explains, prioritising his horses' wellbeing over immediate opportunities.
The upcoming festival presents another chapter in De Mieulle's illustrious career. With a strong hand across both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred divisions, including the defending champion Abbes, the trainer's methodical approach and deep understanding of his horses' capabilities position him strongly for further success.
As Qatar's racing season reaches its crescendo, De Mieulle's careful preparation and strategic planning exemplify the professional excellence that has made him one of the most respected figures in international racing. His journey from French provincial racing to becoming the architect of a global racing operation stands as a testament to his dedication and expertise in both Thoroughbred and Arabian racing spheres.
The next few weeks will determine whether De Mieulle can add another chapter to his remarkable story, but regardless of the outcome, his position as one of racing's most accomplished international trainers is already secure. With a stable full of talent and the backing of one of the world's most ambitious racing operations, the future looks bright for this master of his craft.