Aeon’s Aegis Dominates Thoroughbred Derby Trial in Doha

Aeon’s Aegis delivered an impressive performance in the Thoroughbred Derby Trial for three-year-olds at Al Uqda Racecourse in Doha, Qatar, winning by five lengths on October 12, 2023. This victory marks the gelding’s second win in three outings during the current campaign, confirming his status as a strong contender in the racing circuit.

Owned by Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Rashid Al-Thani and trained by Mohammed Al Ghazali, Aeon’s Aegis was strategically positioned throughout the race. Jockey Soufiane Saadi unleashed him in the home straight, allowing the horse to accelerate past his competitors. The gelding took the lead with just 100 meters remaining, securing the win and contributing to Saadi’s remarkable double for the evening.

Other Notable Performances at Al Uqda

In the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for four-year-olds, Mureb secured a hard-fought victory, edging out competitors by the narrowest of margins. This win came during his second start of the season, under the ownership of Wathnan Racing and the training of Alban de Mieulle. Jockey Saadi, who also rode Mureb, showcased his skill as he drove the grey gelding to victory, further solidifying the winning connections’ success that evening.

Another highlight was Zah’ran Al Shahania, who remained unbeaten with a polished performance in the National Derby Trial for four-year-old local purebred Arabians. Owned by North Racing, the bay gelding displayed exceptional speed, quickening in the final 300 meters to win by 1.5 lengths. This victory marked his second consecutive win, showcasing the effective training of Hamad Al-Jehani and the adept riding of Pierre Charles Boudot.

In the Thoroughbred Oaks Trial for three-year-old fillies, Blessed Star made a remarkable debut, breaking her maiden in style. Trained by Al-Jehani and representing Al Falah Stud, she triumphed in a tightly contested race, winning by 1.25 lengths after a strong finish in the final stretch.

Strong Performances in Local Trials

Chdia delivered a decisive win in the Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial for four-year-old fillies, finishing three lengths clear of her closest competitor. This victory represented a continuation of success for her owner, trainer, and jockey, preserving their title from last year’s win with Divana Chica.

In the 3YO Local Thoroughbred Trial, Best Way made a striking debut, retaining the title for the same owner-trainer-jockey combination that won the previous year with War Boy. Despite a late break in the race, the Wathnan Racing colt rallied to win by two lengths, guided expertly by jockey James Doyle.

Keheilah Al Sakab also made headlines with her commanding performance in the Local Purebred Arabian Oaks Trial for four-year-old fillies. Owned by Khalid Hamad Al-Atteya and trained by Jassim Hamad Al-Atteya, the grey filly tracked the leader and swept past in the home straight to win by 3.5 lengths.

In a thrilling conclusion to the evening, Dhariya extended her winning streak in the Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for three-year-olds. Representing Al Shaqab Racing and trained by Jean de Mieulle, the grey filly won by half a length, marking her second career victory in just three starts.

Consistent performance was also seen from Hay’er Al Shahania, who secured a victory in the Local Purebred Arabian Derby Trial for three-year-olds. Owned by Mansoor Mesfer Al-Shahwani and trained by Abdulla Mesfer Al-Shahwani, the grey colt surged late under jockey Jefferson Smith to win by three-quarters of a length, adding to his record of two wins in six starts.

The events at Al Uqda Racecourse highlighted the depth of talent in the racing community, showcasing not only the skill of the horses but also the expertise of their trainers and jockeys. As the season progresses, these performances set a promising tone for future races.