Sab’aan Al Shahania announced himself on the international stage with a determined victory in the QREC-sponsored Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 Ans at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, June 14, securing his first Gr.1 (PA) success.
The four-year-old colt, racing in the silks of Her Excellency Sheikha Iman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani, displayed courage and class in the 2000m contest for Purebred Arabians, overcoming a high-quality field of seven runners to claim the prestigious title. The victory marked the second win of his career from five starts and represented a significant milestone in his burgeoning record.
Following the race, QREC Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah presented the trophies to the winning connections. The Gr.1 feature once again highlighted the strength and quality of Purebred Arabian racing on the international stage.
Trained by François Rohaut, ridden by Stephane Pasquier, the Purebred Arabian colt made a quiet return over 1900m at La Teste. This time, he fully delivered on that potential on the grandest stage to secure a memorable Gr.1 (PA) victory.
He broke cleanly from the gates and was patiently handled near the rear, settling comfortably in second-to-last position. The field was stretched out by Romeo At, who set a relentless pace. Entering the final bend, the running order remained unchanged while maintaining a very high tempo, though the future winner was cruising effortlessly and traveling with far more ease than some of his opponents.
As the runners turned into the straight, his jockey steered him to the outside to launch his challenge, even though Romeo At still held a clear advantage of two lengths. Sab’aan Al Shahania began to close the gap efficiently, eating into the leader’s margin stride after stride as he delivered a strong finishing kick.
Inside the final 100m, he angled even further wide to put maximum pressure on Roméo At, engaging in a fierce duel before gaining the upper hand in the very last strides to win by a short head. Romeo At took a valiant second place, while Fakhira stayed on for third.
Bred by Al Shahania Stud, Sab’aan Al Shahania is by Amer out of Margouia (Tidjani) a winner over 1850m at 6. Margouia is a half sister to Min’Ha, a dual Gr.2 (PA) winner over 1900m at 4 and 2000m at 3. Also half sister to Mon’nia, a Gr.1 winner (PA) over 2400m at 5, a Gr.2 (PA) winner over 1900m and Gr.3 (PA) winner over 2200m at the same age.
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