Aeon’s Aegis delivered a dominant performance at Al Uqda Racecourse in Doha, Qatar, yesterday, winning the Thoroughbred Derby Trial. The 3-year-old gelding secured his second victory of the campaign, signaling a strong potential for upcoming races. The event showcased several promising contenders across various Arabian and Thoroughbred trials, setting the stage for the upcoming Derby races.
The Thoroughbred Derby Trial, a key indicator for the main Derby event, saw Aeon’s Aegis, owned by Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Rashid Al-Thani and trained by Mohammed Al Ghazali, surge to a five-length victory. Jockey Soufiane Saadi expertly guided the gelding through the 2100m race, demonstrating impressive speed and stamina. This win adds to the growing excitement surrounding the Qatar racing season.
Aeon’s Aegis Dominates Thoroughbred Derby Trial
The victory for Aeon’s Aegis wasn’t the only highlight of the day. Several other trials took place, revealing potential stars in both Purebred Arabian and Local Purebred Arabian racing. Mureb, representing Wathnan Racing, secured a narrow win in the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 4-year-olds, also ridden by Saadi. This marked a double win for the jockey and a successful start to the season for Mureb.
Other Notable Performances
Zah’ran Al Shahania continued its undefeated streak with a win in the National Derby Trial for 4-year-old Local Purebred Arabians. Trained by Hamad Al-Jehani and ridden by Pierre Charles Boudot, the gelding showcased its consistent performance. Blessed Star also broke her maiden, winning the Thoroughbred Oaks Trial for 3-year-old fillies, also under the guidance of Al-Jehani and Boudot, demonstrating the strength of their partnership.
In the Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial for 4-year-old fillies, Chdia delivered a decisive victory, completing a double for her owner, trainer, and jockey. Meanwhile, Best Way made a striking debut in the 3YO Local Thoroughbred Trial, winning by two lengths despite a late start. Keheilah Al Sakab secured her second win in four starts in the Local Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial, while Dhariya extended her perfect Qatar record in the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 3-year-olds. Hay’er Al Shahania also claimed victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for 3-year-olds.
The day’s races highlighted the growing strength of Qatar’s equestrian program and the increasing competitiveness of its racing circuit. The performances of these young horses and talented jockeys suggest a promising future for the sport in the region. The focus now shifts to preparing these contenders for the upcoming Derby races, where they will face even tougher competition.
According to the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), the trials serve as crucial preparation for the prestigious Derby events. These races allow trainers and owners to assess their horses’ form and readiness for the challenges ahead. The success of Wathnan Racing and Al Shaqab Racing, among others, underscores their commitment to developing top-tier racehorses. QREC continues to invest in facilities and programs to support the growth of the sport.
The next step for these horses will be further training and preparation, with the Derby races expected to take place in the coming weeks. The exact dates and details will be announced by QREC. Observers will be watching closely to see if Aeon’s Aegis can maintain its impressive form and translate its trial victory into a Derby triumph. The performance of the other trial winners will also be closely monitored as they prepare for the ultimate test.
