Rodess du Loup wins Qatar Arabian Derby in Chantilly

Rodess du Loup imposed himself easily in the Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes des 4ans at Chantilly yesterday.
The Khalifa bin Hamad al Attiyah-owned horse had cantered in second position behind the leader before accelerating 300m out on the home straight. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, Charles Gourdain’s ward won by a length in front of Al Shaqab Racing’s Rijm. Thomas Fourcy-trained Rijm, helmed by Julien Auge, finished second after a good acceleration but without being able to fight against the winner.
Hajres finished a neck behind a neck behind Rijm for third.
“We really like the horse, he has always been exceptional,” Gourdain said. “I got him last year. He had run very well at the end of the year and it was a bit complicated after for his return: I made a mistake by putting the blinkers on him because he used to be cold. He had pulled a lot and got himself tired. Today without them, it was good. Christophe Soumillon also helped him. He will now certainly run the good race in Qatar, after maybe a race in England.”
Al Jeryan Stud trainer Mohanad Jassim al-Yaqoot added: “I’ve expected this win. I have great confidence in Rodess du Loup, although he didn’t win in his previous outing. It was my suggestion to change the jockey this time and it worked as Rodess du Loup managed to beat several other runners who are known for their good performance over this distance, such as Rajeh, who has excelled in several races overseas.
“It is a well-deserved win and it demonstrates the dedication of Khalifa bin Hamad al-Attiyah to improve his horse breeds and to excel in races run at Europe’s top racecourses.”