Two Group 1 Highlights at Deauville Showcase Purebred Arabian Racing on August 6
Deauville, France – August 6, 2025:
The summer turf season at Hippodrome de Deauville-La Touques was lit ablaze by two standout performances in Purebred Arabian Racing on Tuesday, as the unbeaten colt Laffan claimed the prestigious Al Rayyan Cup, and seasoned campaigner RB Kingmaker returned to his brilliant best in the Doha Cup.
Both Group 1 PA races – the highest level of competition for Purebred Arabians – drew elite contenders from Qatar, the UAE, and France, with impressive wins by horses bred and trained for success on the global Arabian stage.
Laffan’s Unbeaten Streak Continues in the Al Rayyan Cup
Trained by François Rohaut and piloted by Maxime Guyon, three-year-old Laffan delivered a flawless front-running effort to take home the Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy). The victory cemented his status as one of the rising stars in Purebred Arabian Racing, marking his third consecutive career win.
Running in the colors of Al Wasmiyah Racing, the colt held off a determined finish from Romeo AT, who showed great potential despite racing a bit greenly under Guillaume Guedj-Gay. Rohaut’s other runner, Subahiyah, finished a close third under Christophe Soumillon.
Official Result – Al Rayyan Cup (Gr1 PA)
1st: LAFFAN (Maxime Guyon)
2nd: ROMEO AT (Guillaume Guedj-Gay)
3rd: SUBAHIYAH (Christophe Soumillon)
Margins: Short head – ½ length – 2 lengths
Trainer François Rohaut said:
“We expected a tactical race. I told Maxime to take the lead if necessary. Laffan is very straightforward, sound, and more experienced than most in the field.”
Owner-Breeder Ali Al Attiyah added:
“This win is extra special—we bred Laffan ourselves. His dam came from Shadwell. Winning a Qatar-sponsored race with our homebred is incredibly satisfying.”
RB Kingmaker Dominates the Doha Cup
Later in the day, RB Kingmaker, already a proven international Group 1 PA winner, returned to his brilliant best with a commanding performance in the Doha Cup (Prix Manganate). Ridden by Cristian Demuro, the experienced globetrotter surged past his rivals with ease to notch yet another major title in his stellar Purebred Arabian Racing career.
Trainer Elisabeth Bernard ensured an honest pace by entering Joe Star as a pacemaker. He did his job to perfection, allowing Kingmaker to travel comfortably before sprinting clear in the home stretch. Luwsail, trained by Jean de Mieulle for Al Shaqab Racing, settled for second, while Joe Star stayed on gamely for third.
Official Result – Doha Cup (Gr1 PA)
1st: RB KINGMAKER (Cristian Demuro)
2nd: LUWSAIL (Faleh Bughenaim)
3rd: JOE STAR (Mathieu Forest)
Margins: 4 – 3½ – 2½ lengths
Trainer Elisabeth Bernard said:
“I was nervous just before the race fearing a tactical run, but Joe Star’s pace made all the difference. RB Kingmaker is remarkably tough—he races year-round between France and the UAE.”
Owner Representative Tahnon Alalawi said:
“He’s a champion. After a flat run in Abu Dhabi, he bounced back in Saudi and now in Deauville. He just gets better every season.”
Future Targets for Deauville Stars
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Romeo AT, runner-up in the Al Rayyan Cup, will likely target the Group 1 PA at Saint-Cloud in October.
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Luwsail is being pointed to the Prix Dragon, before tackling the Qatar Arabian World Cup in Paris.
With both the Al Rayyan and Doha Cups serving as major trials for autumn’s international Group 1 PA fixtures, Deauville once again confirmed its place as a premier venue for showcasing Purebred Arabian Racing talent. These performances at Deauville further underline the global prominence of Purebred Arabian Racing, with France continuing to lead in delivering world-class Arabian flat racing experiences.
View full official results from France Galop.
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