Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Attiyah’s Rodess du Loup wins Qatar Derby

Rodess du Loup (Dahess) imposed himself easily in this Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes des 4ans. The Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Attiyah-owned horse cantered in second position, behind the leader. In the home straight, Rodess du Loup was asked to accelerate 300m from the final post and won by a length in front of Rijm (Azadi). Rijm finishes second after a good acceleration but without being able to fight against the winner. Hajres (Nizam) did not find his acceleration quick enough and took the third place, a neck behind Rijm.

Charles Gourdain, the winning trainer, said: “We really like the horse, he has always been exceptional. I got him last year. He had run very well at the end of the year and it was a bit complicated after for his return: I made a mistake by putting the blinkers on him because he used to be cold. He had pulled a lot and got himself tired. Today without them, it was good. Christophe Soumillon also helped him. He will now certainly run the good race in Qatar, after maybe a race in England.”

“I’ve expected this win”, said Mohanad Jassim Al Yaqoot, Al Jeryan Stud trainer, “I have great confidence in Rodess du Loup, although he didn’t win in his previous outing. It was my suggestion to change the jockey this time and it worked as Rodess du Loup managed to beat several other runners who are known for their good performance over this distance, such as Rajeh, who has excelled in several races overseas.”

“It is a well-deserved win”, added Al Yaqoot, “and it demonstrates the dedication of Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Attiyah to improve his horse breeds and to excel in races run at Europe’s top racecourses.