Deep Monster Lands HH The Amir Trophy
Deep Monster Upstages Goliath In Doha Showdown
Deep Monster, the Japanese son of the immortal Deep Impact, produced a career-defining performance to land the Gr.1 HH The Amir Trophy at Al Rayyan Racecourse on the final day of the HH The Amir Sword Festival in Doha. The 8YO, trained by Yasutoshi Ikee and ridden with supreme confidence by Tom Marquand, saw off a high-class international field over 2400 metres on good to firm ground to claim the US$2.5 million prize.
The race, elevated to Group One status for the first time in the festival’s history, attracted seven runners of outstanding quality from across the globe. Among them was the 2024 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero Goliath, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and partnered by Christophe Soumillon, who chased the winner home in second. Hong Kong Vase champion Giavellotto, the Marco Botti-trained globetrotter owned by Scuderia La Tesa Ltd and Vaibhav Shah, ran with his customary tenacity to finish third under Pierre-Charles Boudot.
Marquand settled Deep Monster in a handy position through the early stages as the compact field travelled at a measured gallop on the right-handed turf course. Turning for home, the British-based jockey asked his mount for maximum effort, and the response was immediate. Deep Monster quickened decisively to take command inside the final two furlongs, pulling clear to register a convincing success that left the seasoned Goliath and the proven Giavellotto trailing in his wake.
A delighted Marquand said afterwards: “Japanese contingent know how to deliver their horses. This guy was on the money. I love my trips to Qatar.”
A Family Dream Fulfilled Through Deep Impact’s Legacy
The victory carried profound emotional significance for the Ikee family. Yasutoshi’s father, the revered Yasuo Ikee, was the man who guided Deep Impact through a glittering racing career that included an unbeaten Japanese Triple Crown in 2005 and seven Group One victories. Deep Impact subsequently became one of the most influential stallions in Thoroughbred history, crowned Japanese Champion Sire for 11 consecutive years and siring 59 Group One winners before his passing in 2019.
Speaking with visible emotion, Ikee reflected on his tactical approach: “The ground is softer than the one in Japan. I thought Deep Monster would suit. So I brought him here. Tom rode perfectly.” He then added, with unmistakable pride: “My father was trainer for Deep Impact. It was our family’s dream to win big international races with his son. Today my dream came true.”
Deep Monster, owned by DMM Dream Club Co Ltd and bred at Northern Farm in Hokkaido out of the American mare Sisterly Love, brought six wins from 27 career starts into the race. His triumph in Doha represents the crowning achievement of a durable career, proving that quality endures even at the age of eight.
The HH The Amir Sword Festival, staged across four days for the first time to mark the 50th anniversary of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, provided a fitting stage for such a moment. Running under the slogan “Our Legacy in the Lead,” the expanded programme brought together elite Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians from Qatar and abroad.
Ahead of the race, Botti had identified the fast ground as a key advantage for Giavellotto, noting that the plan to target Qatar had been in place since Hong Kong. Graffard, too, had spoken positively about Goliath’s condition. Yet neither could match the brilliance of Deep Monster on the day.
On an afternoon at Al Rayyan that celebrated Qatar’s deep equestrian heritage, the day ultimately belonged to Japan and to the Ikee family. In delivering Deep Monster to glory beneath the Gulf sun, Yasutoshi honoured a father’s legacy and fulfilled a dream that stretches back to the days when Deep Impact first captivated the racing world.
