Owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, two-year-old colt Gavial made a successful start to his career when taking the Prix Du Gabardan in Mont-De-Marsan, France, on Thursday.
Trained by Philippe Sogorb, Gavial confirmed the strong market expectation and took the 1,400m maiden under a good ride from apprentice jockey Alejandro Gutirrez-Val.
Although drawn wide in stall 7, Gavial broke well and was placed just behind the leaders. A good pace was set by Zawaaya through the first 400m of the contest. The pace slowed as the field rounded the home turn, and on entering the home straight, he was angled out wide and he gradually began to make ground on Zawaaya and the pair broke clear of the field inside the final 200m. Gavial headed Zawaaya in the final strides of the race, going on to win by half-a-length at the line. Albertinelli finished a further five-and-a-half lengths back in third.
“He is a colt that has always worked correctly in the mornings and he comes from a family of winners. I like what he has done there and he won quite pleasantly,” said winning trainer Philippe Sogorb after the race. “He has closed down the leader well and had plenty left at the line. It is always enjoyable to train horses like him, but this is even more enjoyable as I also trained the mother, Vorda. Knowing the mother has allowed me to get to know him and all her offspring have won for me.”
Bred by Sheikh Mohamed’s Al Shahania Stud, Gavial is by Darley stallion Ifraaj. His dam Vorda was extremely precocious as a two-year-old and won four of her first five starts, including the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket in 2013. She has now produced four winners, including Saiga a listed winner, carrying the colours of Sheikh Mohamed as well, at Toulouse in 2020.