Hattal became the fourth consecutive colt to follow up his French Derby win in the UAE President Cup (UK Arabian Derby) run at Doncaster on St Leger day today. Trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte for owner-breeders YAS Horse Racing Management, the four-year-old son of Mahabb coasted into victory to win by three quarters of a length on the line from Jurgurtha de Monlau in second and Loolwa in third.
Ridden by Tadhg O’Shea who was deputising for regular pilot, Ioritz Mendizabal, this was O’Shea’s second win in the Doncaster contest, having previously been successful with Nafees in 2017. Speaking after the race O’Shea said: “Hattal is a very, very smart horse. Connections were hopeful for a good result as he won the French Derby in a really quick time. It’s my first time riding him, but I was unbeaten on his mother Mizzna. She was a champion so he has a bit more to prove yet to be as good as her, but he’s going the right way.
“To be honest, he didn’t really have a race there, if anything he was getting there too soon. It will be exciting to see where connections go with him next, whether they will head to the Arc for the World Cup or out to Abu Dhabi for the Jewel Crown, his mother was unbeaten at that track.”
Faisal Al Rahmani, event manager for the UAE President Cup series said: “The Group 1 UAE President Cup race at Doncaster is a platform for young Arabian horses to build on to become future champions.”
Genny Haynes, ARO Commercial and Finance Director was delighted commenting. “This race consistently confirms a winner of the highest class and I am sure we have seen a new star today in Hattal. We thank the UAE President Cup Series for their continued generous support of our feature race for four-year-olds.
“We are also very grateful to Doncaster racecourse and the British Horse Racing Authority for their support of international Arabian racing, enabling this race to go ahead during these challenging times. This event is now firmly established as part of St Leger Day, at Doncaster’s most prestigious meeting of the year, which enhances the contest’s prestige and Arabian racing’s status in the UK.”
