The Qatar-sponsored nine-race meet, which was held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah in the French capital, featured two Group 1 races, including the Arabian feature and the Qatar Prix Vermeille for Thoroughbreds, besides a number of other Group races.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi and Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani were among those at the races, which were held less than three weeks ahead of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, also to be organised at the iconic track.
Under Olivier Peslier, Alban de Mieulle-trained Yazeed cantered amongst others during the race, following Yas Horse Racing Management’s Shahm.
The latter took the lead at the start of the home straight and kept accelerating until Yazeed was pulled out by Peslier 300m from the post. Yazeed eventually took the advantage in order to win by a short neck in front of Shahm.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Gazwan finished third. Another His Highness Sheikh Abdullah horse, Tayf, finished fourth.
“I think that good older Purebred Arabian horses can progress,” de Mieulle said after Yazeed’s victory.
“We did not race this summer before this prep-race. I am surprised by the second. He runs very well and will be a serious challenger in the big one.
“My horse still has progress to make. This afternoon, he was not 100 percent and needed this race. We have no horse for him in the morning. We have to train him with the thoroughbreds.”
Andre Fabre’s Waldgeist assumed the mantle as the top French contender for the next month’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a victory in the Qatar Prix Foy (Group 2).
After being held up in second last position, the chestnut showed his authority by dominating his stablemates Talismanic and Cloth of Stars, winning with ease by two and a half lengths.
Dietrich Von Boetticher, the co-owner of Waldgeist, said, “He’s a physically imposing type who tends to carry a lot of condition and he has needed time to reach maturity. He has done nothing but progress and his trainer André Fabre knows how to graduate his training accordingly. I thought he was impressive today.”
Hot favourite Kitesurf topped the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Gr1). In a strongly-run race, the Fabre-trained filly struggled to go the pace and had considerable ground to make up on Magic Wand at the top of the straight.
With around 150m to go, Kitesurf, who was coming off an amazing win in the Darley Prix de Pomone (Gr2) at Deauville, showed her impressive turn of foot taking the measure of Magic Wand in the dying strides.
Zarkamiya took third but without being able to land a blow at the principals.
Qatar Prix Niel (Gr2) went to a colt, who had to battle very hard but isn’t currently entered in the Arc. Brundtland had won both his previous two career starts but was tackling group class for the first time. However, he retained his unbeaten record after setting a moderate tempo and showing commendable tenacity to shake off the challenge of the well-travelled Hunting Horn. Neufbosc finished third.