Safi Al Zaman is a new winner for
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faleh Al Thani

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faleh Al Thani celebrated a new homebred Purebred Arabian winner at Pau, France, on Tuesday, 2 February when Safi Al Zaman (AF Albahar x Gold Label by Akbar) lifted the Prix Magicienne Dedouble, a conditions race for 4-year-old and older Purebred Arabians.

The 4-year-old colt, who is trained by Elisabeth Bernard, did not have an easy race, as he was caught five wide from the rail with no cover in the early stages of the 2,000m race on the all-weather track.

Once in the back straight, apprentice jockey Gary Sanchez, who was claiming 3.5k, let him go forward to sit just on the outside of the leader, Jassous Tun (Majd Al Arab x Nemosie Al Maury by Kesberoy) also trained by Elisabeth Bernard and ridden by Anthony Crstus. They began to accelerate in the final turn and Safi Al Zaman took the lead in the straight, but with his rivals snapping at his heels.

Alghanny (Madjani x Ziva by Dormane – owned by HH Sh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and ridden by Valentin Seguy) came with a late burst of speed to challenge in the final strides, but Safi Al Zaman kept his head in front to win by short head.

Trainer Elisabeth Bernard commented: “Luckily, I put a claiming jockey on board Safi Al Zaman, as there wasn’t much between them in the finish. He didn’t have a good draw, coming from stall number 10. He jumped badly and was five wide throughout. Considering these conditions, his performance here is a good one, especially as he is not a generous horse. He has done the job nonetheless.”

Safi Al Zaman was also bred by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faleh Al Thani. He is out of the Akbar mare Gold Label and is her third winner, following Jenjal and Al Eshrah.

Source: JDG/QREC. Photo: Robert Polin