Chdia Claims Gr.1 Qatar International Cup Glory
Chdia Outclasses Jenkille Hipolyte in Group One Showdown
Chdia (FR) delivered a scintillating performance to capture the Gr.1 Qatar International Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Day Four of the HH The Amir Sword Festival 2026. The French-bred Purebred Arabian filly, owned by Wathnan Racing and trained by Alban Elie de Mieulle, recorded a commanding victory over 1600 metres under the expert guidance of jockey Christophe Soumillon, extending her remarkable career record to six wins from just seven starts.
The triumph marked De Mieulle’s eighth victory in this prestigious contest, a record that speaks volumes about the French-born trainer’s sustained excellence at the highest level of Purebred Arabian racing. Operating as the principal trainer for Wathnan Racing in Qatar since arriving in the country in 1995, De Mieulle has built a legacy that few in the sport can rival. His latest success only strengthens his position as the dominant force in Arabian racing across the Gulf region and reinforces Wathnan Racing’s standing as the preeminent operation in the sport.
Despite breaking slowly from the stalls, Chdia displayed the composure and raw talent that has defined her short but brilliant career. Soumillon, one of the most accomplished jockeys in world racing, elected to be patient rather than panic, allowing the filly to find her rhythm before producing a devastating turn of foot in the closing stages. Speaking after the race, Soumillon reflected on his approach. “She jumped out of gate quite slow but I thought I should give her a chance. It was a very easy win,” the jockey said.
A Small Filly With a Big Engine
De Mieulle was visibly delighted with the performance of his charge, who arrived in Doha boasting an extraordinary 86 per cent strike-rate, including a devastating six-and-a-half-length demolition in the Gr.3 Qatar 3YO Derby. Her only career defeat came when finishing runner-up behind the exceptional Hajmah in the Gr.1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments at Paris Longchamp in October 2025, a narrow short-head reverse that only enhanced her reputation as one of the finest young fillies in Purebred Arabian racing.
“She is a very smart filly. She surprises everybody. She is a small filly with a big engine,” De Mieulle said, capturing the essence of a horse whose modest physical frame belies her enormous competitive spirit and relentless finishing speed.
Runner-up Jenkille Hipolyte (FR), the highest earner in the field with career earnings accumulated across 26 starts between France and Qatar, ran his customary honest race for trainer Osama Al-Dafea and jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot but was simply no match for the winner on the day. Lino (FR), a progressive French-trained colt with European Group form under the care of Eric Dell’Ova, finished a creditable third, while the consistent veteran Hargan and Mac’zoom Al Shahania, both trained by Rudy Andre Nerbonne, filled fourth and fifth respectively. Mureb, the second Wathnan Racing and De Mieulle representative, and Lueur De Faust, trained by Julian Colin Smart and ridden by Tom Marquand, completed the field.
The result underlines the formidable strength of the Wathnan Racing and De Mieulle partnership, which has dominated the racing landscape in Qatar for several consecutive seasons. With the HH The Amir Sword Festival celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and being staged over four days for the first time, Chdia’s Group One victory served as a fitting centrepiece on the festival’s grand concluding day. All eyes will now turn to whether this exceptional filly can continue her rapid ascent through the global Purebred Arabian racing ranks in the months ahead.
