 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Fresh from her commanding triumph in the President of the UAE Cup at ParisLongchamp, star Arabian mare Al Doha is poised for an even greater challenge - December's US$8.7 million UAE President's Cup. Under the expert guidance of Thomas Fourcy, the star has already captured the Doncaster Derby and placed in multiple Group One contests, establishing herself as one of the most versatile and talented Arabians in training. She represents the pinnacle of Fourcy's remarkable career, which has yielded 49 Group One victories and shows no signs of slowing down.
The numbers tell their own story - 49 Group One victories, multiple international successes, and a steady stream of champions emerging from his yard year after year. Fourcy's ability to develop and nurture Arabian talent has made him one of the most sought-after trainers in the sport. His methodical approach and an innate understanding of these magnificent athletes have created a recipe for sustained success at the highest level.
The foundation of this success lies in his belief that quality bloodstock and patient development are inseparable components of achieving excellence. "I am lucky to have owners who entrust me with quality foals every year with good origins; without that, everything would be much more problematic," he acknowledges, expressing gratitude to the owners who have supported his journey to the pinnacle of Arabian racing.
The anticipation is building as Al Doha prepares for her next major target - the UAE President Cup in December, carrying a prestigious purse of AED 8 million. Fresh from her commanding performance in the President of the UAE Cup – Gr.1 Pure Arabians European Cup at ParisLongchamp, the mare has demonstrated remarkable versatility across different racing conditions.
Her journey to the top hasn't been without its challenges. Earlier this year, she placed third in the Gr.1 Amir Sword in Qatar, following a gallant second in the Gr.1 Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp. These performances, combined with her triumph in the Doncaster Derby, have established her as one of the most formidable Arabian runners in training.
"Since the World Cup at Longchamp, Al Doha has had a recovery phase, and then she resumed work on her own with desire," Fourcy explains. "At this stage, the most delicate aspect is to maintain the desire to engage in the 'battles', so we are very observant of her behaviour in the morning. The preparation is going very well. The mare is in very good shape."
Al Doha's breeding tells its own story of excellence. Bred by Al Shaqab Racing in Lot-et-Garonne but racing under the colours of Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, she represents the seventh foal out of Topaze du Croate, by the influential sire Dormane. While her dam never won in France, at three years old, she achieved a creditable fourth-place finish in a Group One for pure Arabians over 1m2f at Saint-Cloud.
While Al Doha may be the current standard-bearer, Fourcy's stable strength runs deep. Nour Al Maury, representing Al Shaqab Racing, has amassed an impressive seven Group One victories, including three this season alone. The decision by her owner, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, to keep her in training next year speaks volumes about her continued potential.
"In addition to Al Doha, we will be able to count on Nour Al Maury, who won three Group Ones this year, bringing her record to seven Group Ones. Her owner, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, representing Al Shaqab Racing, likes challenges and competition," Fourcy shares with evident pride.
The emerging talents in Fourcy's yard include Samsa Al Shahania, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, and a promising group of 3YOs - Hajmah, Lady De Faust, and HM Majdallah. Looking ahead to the winter campaign, Fourcy reveals his plans, "Concerning the objectives of this winter in the Gulf, there will be Al Doha, Nour Al Maury, and Lady De Faust in Doha in February. The other horses left abroad during the month of October to their respective owners in Doha, Saudi Arabia, or the Emirates."
 |  |
Fourcy's approach to international competition reveals a methodical mindset honed through years of experience. The challenges of campaigning horses globally require careful consideration of various factors, from travel logistics to acclimatisation.
"The major challenge is the journey itself," Fourcy explains. "The hazards of transits and travel conditions are parameters that we do not fully control even if we are supervised by very professional transport companies. There are sometimes horses that are more emotional than others, and we only discover this when they have arrived at their destination."
His success on the international stage stems from a deep understanding of his horses' individual characteristics and careful selection of targets. "I like racing abroad because, first of all, they are very enriching trips both professionally and personally," he reflects. "We discover other cultures and varied methods thanks to exchanges with other professionals from all countries on the quarantine tracks. We are welcomed on magnificent racecourses and tracks, and the allocations are very important."
The international aspect of Arabian racing presents unique challenges and opportunities. "The second challenge is to manage the horse's recovery very quickly to optimise every day on site and find a horse or mare in the same shape as at the start to be competitive on race day," Fourcy notes. "And finally, the last challenge is to please the entourage by offering the best possible performance from their horses."
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Fourcy's operation is his training base in Royan. The natural tracks have proved invaluable in developing his horses' adaptability to different racing surfaces.
"I think that Purebred Arabians adapt easily and even more so when they are good," Fourcy notes. "The fact that my training tracks are natural is, as far as I am concerned, a plus for sporting particular skills. Indeed, horses evolve and progress in 'soft' conditions, so when the tracks on the racetracks get heavier, it's not a problem but it is even an advantage. When the tracks are lighter, it's even easier for my boarders."
This natural advantage has contributed significantly to his consistent success with Arabian racehorses, alongside the support of owners who provide quality bloodstock.
Managing multiple runners in prestigious races has become second nature to Fourcy. "I am lucky to be entrusted with good subjects belonging to various owners," he explains. "I like competition, and our common goals are to run the best races all over France and around the world if the intrinsic qualities of the horses allow it. I know very well the strengths and weaknesses of each of my boarders and it doesn't bother me to see several horses from my stables run in the same race."
Looking to the future, Fourcy maintains his characteristic optimism tempered with patience. "In addition to the 3YOs that I recently mentioned, it is too early to comment on the first 2YOs that have just arrived in the stable, but some are already very pleasing in terms of models, paces, and origins. The future will tell us more... patience!"
The immediate future looks particularly bright, with Al Doha leading the charge towards December's UAE President's Cup. As Fourcy continues to shape the careers of these exceptional Arabian athletes, his reputation as one of the sport's leading practitioners only grows stronger. With a string of promising youngsters waiting in the wings and their established stars continuing to shine, the next chapter in the Fourcy story promises to be just as compelling as those that have come before.