Ch’ezza Pushes a Champion to His Limits
Trainer Francois Rohaut was candid about the challenge, acknowledging the unusually long five-month gap since Doha made the return demanding: “It is always difficult not running between Doha and today. He is getting older, and perhaps a bit lazy, but Al Ghadeer has that ease and class to relax, switch on, and still win.”
Rohaut now looks toward a prep race in September at Longchamp ahead of the G1 Arabian World Cup in October — the second jewel of the Triple Crown. If all goes to plan, the grand finale will be in Doha next February with the HH The Amir Sword, a race that crowned Al Ghadeer in previous seasons.
“He’s done it on every surface — firm in Doha, soft here two years ago — at a mile, mile and a quarter, and a mile and a half. He’s won in three different countries and never had a soundness issue. He’s a complete horse. I’ll never train another Arabian like him,” Rohaut added.
Soumillon: “He’s Still the Best Arabian on a Racetrack”
Jockey Christophe Soumillon admitted he expected an easier task but credited Ch’ezza’s fitness and determination for the tight finish. “I had to give him a smack, which I don’t normally do first time out, but Ch’ezza was in great shape. When I asked Al Ghadeer to quicken, the horse beside me gave another gear,” said the Belgian rider, who has now partnered the champion to multiple Group 1 wins.
“My job is to keep fuel in the tank — always thinking of the next step. He’s so professional now. A few seasons ago, he used to be keen in his races, but today he settled beautifully. He’s still the most amazing Arabian I’ve ridden.”
Ch’ezza, meanwhile, will have one final run before heading to stud in France, a prospect Rohaut is optimistic about. “He’s beautifully bred and gives his all. Breeders will be lucky to have him.”
Full Result – Qatar International Stakes (Group 1 PA)
- 1st – Al Ghadeer (Al Shaqab Racing) | Trainer: Francois Rohaut (FR) | Jockey: Christophe Soumillon | Odds: 1/7F
- 2nd – Ch’ezza (Abdullah bin Fahad A H Al Attiyah) | Trainer: Francois Rohaut (FR) | Jockey: Lukas Delozier | Odds: 8/1
- 3rd – Djafar (Abubaker Sideek Abdullah Kadoura) | Trainer: Francois Rohaut (FR) | Jockey: Silvestre de Sousa
Only seven ran in what was widely anticipated to be a coronation — yet turned into a competitive test of temperament and class. This win marked Rohaut’s eighth Qatar Goodwood Festival victory, and Soumillon’s third at the meeting.
Omni Man Boosts Merchant Form With Smart Handicap Win
Earlier in the afternoon, Joseph O’Brien’s Omni Man (8/1) signaled his progression with a sharp turn-of-foot victory in the Coral Pipped At The Post Winners Handicap over 12 furlongs. Under a patient ride from Ryan Moore, the King George V Stakes fifth tracked the field early before slicing through rivals in the straight.
His victory bolstered the form of King George V winner Merchant, who lines up next in the G3 HKJC World Pool Gordon Stakes. O’Brien’s race planner Kevin Blake noted: “That was a very strong race, and Omni Man showed he’s improving. He could even drop back to ten furlongs if required. The owners have Royal Ascot and Goodwood in mind — that’s where they want to be.”
Runner-up Mdawi (22/1) was unlucky not to win, hemmed in at a vital point. Trainer Charlie Johnston confirmed a quick return on Friday could be on the cards: “He was finishing better than anything — one got away here.”
Moore, who collected his 63rd Royal Ascot winner earlier this year, said: “It was on the easy side of good. We waited and he quickened impressively. Joseph wanted him to relax early and he did just that.”
Full Result – Coral Pipped At The Post Winners Handicap
- 1st – Omni Man (Go Racing Ltd) | Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Ryan Moore | Odds: 8/1
- 2nd – Mdawi (Mohammed Hamad Khalifa Al Attiya) | Trainer: Charlie Johnston | Jockey: Joe Fanning | Odds: 22/1
- 3rd – Kurakka (Mrs M C Sweeney & Alan King) | Trainer: Alan King | Jockey: Rossa Ryan | Odds: 4/1
- Favourite – Sing Us A Song (10/3F) finished 7th of 9
As Al Ghadeer moves one step closer to cementing his place in racing immortality, eyes now turn to Longchamp in October. The dream of a third Doha Triple Crown is alive — and with the champion’s versatility, class, and soundness, few would bet against him.
For more on Arabian champions, check out our coverage on Goodwood Racecourse in our International section and relive Breaking news on RaceBuzz.
