The most valuable race for four-year-old Arabians in Europe
On a day when history was made at Doncaster, Romeo AT secured the UAE President Cup – UK Arabian Derby (Group 1PA) under Tom Marquand for Wathnan Racing. With a prize fund of £250,000, it is the most valuable race for four-year-old Arabians in Europe. Marquand rode a patient race allowing eventual third, Sab’aan Al Shahania to set the pace in front and once they hit the front inside the final two furlongs they were readily able to repel the challenge of the favourite Laffan. Romeo AT went clear to win by a length and a half from Laffan and Maxime Guyon, with Sab’aan Al Shahania and Stephane Pasquier a further nine lengths away in in third.
Marquand had finished third in this race last year, and having ridden his first Arabian winner as an Apprentice in 2015, he has now secured his first top level win on the breed.
Speaking after the race, trainer Xavier Thomas-Demeulte said, “It was a really great performance. We knew the hood was very good addition and would help today. We were not concerned coming here after Deauville as he had a hard race before [at Chantilly]. We will go home and talk to the Wathnan Team as to where to go next.”
Romeo AT (Tom Marquad) win the £250,000 UAE President Cup Group 1PA at Doncaster © Debbie Burt – equinecreativemedia.com
Marquand agreed saying, “It didn’t quite go to plan, as I’d planned on being a little bit further back to get him relaxed. He jumped a little bit too well and the lack of speed early meant I was too close. They made a fantastic shout putting the hood on him, so he was measured enough to save enough energy first half. The favourite went to give him a bit of a race, and he was quick to go and brush that challenge off. He seems like a lovely horse, with plenty of strength.”
Tom Marquad with the winner’s trophy © Debbie Burt – equinecreativemedia.com
Mohammed Al Suwaidi, official spokesman for Wathan Racing commented, “He’s a very good horse. This was the main race for him this season in Europe and we’re pleased he has ended it with a Group 1. We will discuss whether to go to Doha or to Abu Dhabi next and we hope to end the year with another win.”
Saeed Al Mheiri, the UAE President’s Cup Series representative, commented, “We’re very happy for the world’s oldest Arabian racing classic series to be back at Doncaster – where they are celebrating 250 years of the St Leger, the world’s oldest Classic race for thoroughbreds. We thank Genny Haynes and everyone at ARO for their support today.”
Winning connection Saeed Al Mheiri (UAE President Cup) Tom Marquand, Xavier Thomas Demeaulte and Mohammed Al Suwaidi (Wathnan Racing)
© Debbie Burt – equinecreativemedia.com
Genny Haynes, ARO Chief Executive Officer said, “We warmly congratulate Wathan Racing, Xavier and Tom on their win with Romeo AT. The winner of this race routinely goes on to further international Group 1PA success, maintaining our race’s significance in both the European and Worldwide Pattern Calendar.
“The support of the UAE President Cup Series has been really important for our racing in the UK this year, as their generous sponsorship has given us the two most valuable races exclusively for three- and four-year-olds in Europe at Newbury and Doncaster respectively.”
