Latest news with #Cualificar
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's powerhouse stable Godolphin takes aim at flat racing's biggest week
The first weekend of June launched a high-stakes two weeks for UAE-linked stables across Europe and the UK with Godolphin's Cualificar setting the stage after a valiant run in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly on Sunday. Trained by the legendary André Fabre, the son of Lope de Vega came within striking distance of Classic Glory, only to be edged out by Camille Pissarro in the closing strides of the 1m2½f contest. Ridden with tactical precision by Godolphin's retained jockey William Buick, Cualificar raced prominently in third before mounting a determined challenge in the straight, eventually finishing just half a length behind the Aidan O'Brien-trained winner, Camille Pissarro. Arc On the Radar 'Cualificar put up a very solid effort,' said Buick. ' I thought we ended up in a nice position and he did everything that I asked of him. The winner is a good horse, but I think that Cualificar will possibly get a bit further. He may get an Arc prep now and he doesn't lack for quality. It was a very good run.' It was a performance worthy of his lineage, echoing the class of sire Lope de Vega and grandsire Shamardal, both Prix du Jockey Club winners themselves, the latter having won the race in Godolphin blue in 2005 with Frankie Dettori aboard. While a French Derby win proved elusive this year it was a reassuring performance for the global racing powerhouse built by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Godolphin now turns its full focus to an explosive Derby weekend at Epsom Downs, followed by major American targets on the horizon. With Cualificar potentially aimed at the G1 Grand Prix de Paris next, the spotlight now turns to a formidable lineup of Classic contenders poised to take on the biggest races of the season. On Friday at Epsom, Desert Flower, an unbeaten daughter of Night Of Thunder, bids to become the 50th filly in history to complete the 1,000 Guineas–Oaks double, following her commanding display at Newmarket. Also undefeated, Good Cheer heads back into battle in the G1 Acorn Stakes at Belmont on the same day. The Kentucky Oaks winner has dismantled every challenge so far and remains one of the standout fillies in North America. Sovereignty Aims at Belmont Stakes Saturday brings the most ambitious targets yet. Sovereignty, Godolphin's Kentucky Derby hero, eyes a historic run in the G1 Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the US Triple Crown, where he will once again face Journalism, his nearest rival at Churchill Downs. In the UK, Ruling Court seeks to emulate Camelot (2012) as the first horse since to win both the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, with support from stablemate Tornado Alert, who was fourth at Newmarket and is expected to improve. This surge of Classic contenders is a nod to the legacy of Sheikh Mohammed, whose famous maroon silks won the French Derby in 1989 with Old Vic, trained by the late-great Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen - a moment that predates the arrival of the Godolphin stable but helped lay the foundation for its birth. With their horses now spread across continents and firing in every Classic division it's another reminder of Godolphin's vast influence and unwavering pursuit of excellence across borders.
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Future is bright for Detain after brave French Derby run
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the Juddmonte-owned runner was unleashed by jockey Christophe Soumillon with a couple of furlongs to run in the mile-and-a-quarter Classic. After briefly appearing to get his head in front, Camille Pissarro swooped up the inside rail to register a half-length win, with Cualificar just denying Detain of second place by a neck. Barry Mahon, Juddmonte's European racing manager, said: 'He ran a very good race and Christophe said he thought he had it, but Ryan Moore and the winner slipped up the rail, then the Godolphin runner came and took second from him. 'Detain has a lot to look forward to this season. The 2,000-metre trip suits him perfectly. We could even consider 2,400 metres. 'We'll stick to this type of race after a short break, as he's had a busy start to the season.' John Gosden admitted he briefly thought the Wootton Bassett colt was going to better his sixth place in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains last month. He said: 'Detain ran a lovely race to be beaten under a length. Half a furlong out I thought he might win, but I'm delighted with his performance and Christophe gave him a lovely ride.' The Gosden team also fielded York novice winner Bowmark but he took a fierce hold in the early stages under Tom Marquand, disputing the lead with eventual fourth Trinity College before dropping away to finish 14th, beaten just over six lengths. Gosden added: 'He got lit up on the way down and when the gates opened, he shot off. Then just as he was getting more settled, Wayne Lordan (on Trinity College) arrived on the scene. 'He's actually run a much better race than his finishing position indicates.' Cualificar races in the Godolphin colours and trainer Andre Fabre had recruited the services of their number one rider William Buick for the Lope De Vega colt, who had won each of his last three starts. Buick was pleased with his effort in second, but feel Cualificar will excel over further in time. He said: 'He was really solid and I thought we ended up in a really nice position and he did everything I asked of him really. 'The winner is a good horse, as we all know, and I think he (Cualificar) will probably get further. He will possibly get an Arc prep now and he doesn't lack for quality, that was a very good run. 'Anytime you get a call up to ride for Mr Fabre it's a pleasure.' Louise Benard, Godolphin's French representative added: 'It's a very nice second place, behind a very good colt. It's very promising going forward. 'He's entered in the Grand Prix de Paris (July 13), but we'll have to see how he comes out of this race and how he works in the mornings. The decision lies with Andre Fabre.' Ridari had been rated the leading French hope but he could finish only sixth, one place behind his fellow Aga Khan Studs-owned runner Azimpour. Racing manager Nemone Routh said: 'We're very happy with Azimpour. His draw didn't help, but he produced a very good final straight. He came home strongly, but probably just a bit too late. 'Looking ahead, I think he'll be better on softer ground, so probably more effective later in the year. 'He's entered in the Grand Prix de Paris, but we'll have to reassess, because the track is often a bit too firm for him at that time of year. 'As for Ridari, he doesn't really have any excuses. We're wondering if he truly stays the 2,100 metres. 'Based on the Poule d'Essai form, he should have been just behind the first few. But today, he didn't have the speed to finish off, he lacked something at the end. Maybe the distance is simply too long for him.'
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Future is bright for Detain after brave French Derby run
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the Juddmonte-owned runner was unleashed by jockey Christophe Soumillon with a couple of furlongs to run in the mile-and-a-quarter Classic. After briefly appearing to get his head in front, Camille Pissarro swooped up the inside rail to register a half-length win, with Cualificar just denying Detain of second place by a neck. Barry Mahon, Juddmonte's European racing manager, said: 'He ran a very good race and Christophe said he thought he had it, but Ryan Moore and the winner slipped up the rail, then the Godolphin runner came and took second from him. 'Detain has a lot to look forward to this season. The 2,000-metre trip suits him perfectly. We could even consider 2,400 metres. 'We'll stick to this type of race after a short break, as he's had a busy start to the season.' John Gosden admitted he briefly thought the Wootton Bassett colt was going to better his sixth place in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains last month. He said: 'Detain ran a lovely race to be beaten under a length. Half a furlong out I thought he might win, but I'm delighted with his performance and Christophe gave him a lovely ride.' The Gosden team also fielded York novice winner Bowmark but he took a fierce hold in the early stages under Tom Marquand, disputing the lead with eventual fourth Trinity College before dropping away to finish 14th, beaten just over six lengths. Gosden added: 'He got lit up on the way down and when the gates opened, he shot off. Then just as he was getting more settled, Wayne Lordan (on Trinity College) arrived on the scene. 'He's actually run a much better race than his finishing position indicates.' Cualificar races in the Godolphin colours and trainer Andre Fabre had recruited the services of their number one rider William Buick for the Lope De Vega colt, who had won each of his last three starts. Buick was pleased with his effort in second, but feel Cualificar will excel over further in time. He said: 'He was really solid and I thought we ended up in a really nice position and he did everything I asked of him really. 'The winner is a good horse, as we all know, and I think he (Cualificar) will probably get further. He will possibly get an Arc prep now and he doesn't lack for quality, that was a very good run. 'Anytime you get a call up to ride for Mr Fabre it's a pleasure.' Louise Benard, Godolphin's French representative added: 'It's a very nice second place, behind a very good colt. It's very promising going forward. 'He's entered in the Grand Prix de Paris (July 13), but we'll have to see how he comes out of this race and how he works in the mornings. The decision lies with Andre Fabre.' Ridari had been rated the leading French hope but he could finish only sixth, one place behind his fellow Aga Khan Studs-owned runner Azimpour. Racing manager Nemone Routh said: 'We're very happy with Azimpour. His draw didn't help, but he produced a very good final straight. He came home strongly, but probably just a bit too late. 'Looking ahead, I think he'll be better on softer ground, so probably more effective later in the year. 'He's entered in the Grand Prix de Paris, but we'll have to reassess, because the track is often a bit too firm for him at that time of year. 'As for Ridari, he doesn't really have any excuses. We're wondering if he truly stays the 2,100 metres. 'Based on the Poule d'Essai form, he should have been just behind the first few. But today, he didn't have the speed to finish off, he lacked something at the end. Maybe the distance is simply too long for him.'
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Future is bright for Detain after brave French Derby run
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the Juddmonte-owned runner was unleashed by jockey Christophe Soumillon with a couple of furlongs to run in the mile-and-a-quarter Classic. After briefly appearing to get his head in front, Camille Pissarro swooped up the inside rail to register a half-length win, with Cualificar just denying Detain of second place by a neck. Barry Mahon, Juddmonte's European racing manager, said: 'He ran a very good race and Christophe said he thought he had it, but Ryan Moore and the winner slipped up the rail, then the Godolphin runner came and took second from him. 'Detain has a lot to look forward to this season. The 2,000-metre trip suits him perfectly. We could even consider 2,400 metres. 'We'll stick to this type of race after a short break, as he's had a busy start to the season.' John Gosden admitted he briefly thought the Wootton Bassett colt was going to better his sixth place in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains last month. He said: 'Detain ran a lovely race to be beaten under a length. Half a furlong out I thought he might win, but I'm delighted with his performance and Christophe gave him a lovely ride.' The Gosden team also fielded York novice winner Bowmark but he took a fierce hold in the early stages under Tom Marquand, disputing the lead with eventual fourth Trinity College before dropping away to finish 14th, beaten just over six lengths. Gosden added: 'He got lit up on the way down and when the gates opened, he shot off. Then just as he was getting more settled, Wayne Lordan (on Trinity College) arrived on the scene. 'He's actually run a much better race than his finishing position indicates.' Cualificar races in the Godolphin colours and trainer Andre Fabre had recruited the services of their number one rider William Buick for the Lope De Vega colt, who had won each of his last three starts. Buick was pleased with his effort in second, but feel Cualificar will excel over further in time. He said: 'He was really solid and I thought we ended up in a really nice position and he did everything I asked of him really. 'The winner is a good horse, as we all know, and I think he (Cualificar) will probably get further. He will possibly get an Arc prep now and he doesn't lack for quality, that was a very good run. 'Anytime you get a call up to ride for Mr Fabre it's a pleasure.' Louise Benard, Godolphin's French representative added: 'It's a very nice second place, behind a very good colt. It's very promising going forward. 'He's entered in the Grand Prix de Paris (July 13), but we'll have to see how he comes out of this race and how he works in the mornings. The decision lies with Andre Fabre.' Ridari had been rated the leading French hope but he could finish only sixth, one place behind his fellow Aga Khan Studs-owned runner Azimpour. Racing manager Nemone Routh said: 'We're very happy with Azimpour. His draw didn't help, but he produced a very good final straight. He came home strongly, but probably just a bit too late. 'Looking ahead, I think he'll be better on softer ground, so probably more effective later in the year. 'He's entered in the Grand Prix de Paris, but we'll have to reassess, because the track is often a bit too firm for him at that time of year. 'As for Ridari, he doesn't really have any excuses. We're wondering if he truly stays the 2,100 metres. 'Based on the Poule d'Essai form, he should have been just behind the first few. But today, he didn't have the speed to finish off, he lacked something at the end. Maybe the distance is simply too long for him.'
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Future is bright for Detain after brave French Derby run
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the Juddmonte-owned runner was unleashed by jockey Christophe Soumillon with a couple of furlongs to run in the mile-and-a-quarter Classic. After briefly appearing to get his head in front, Camille Pissarro swooped up the inside rail to register a half-length win, with Cualificar just denying Detain of second place by a neck. Barry Mahon, Juddmonte's European racing manager, said: 'He ran a very good race and Christophe said he thought he had it, but Ryan Moore and the winner slipped up the rail, then the Godolphin runner came and took second from him. 'Detain has a lot to look forward to this season. The 2,000-metre trip suits him perfectly. We could even consider 2,400 metres. 'We'll stick to this type of race after a short break, as he's had a busy start to the season.' John Gosden admitted he briefly thought the Wootton Bassett colt was going to better his sixth place in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains last month. He said: 'Detain ran a lovely race to be beaten under a length. Half a furlong out I thought he might win, but I'm delighted with his performance and Christophe gave him a lovely ride.' The Gosden team also fielded York novice winner Bowmark but he took a fierce hold in the early stages under Tom Marquand, disputing the lead with eventual fourth Trinity College before dropping away to finish 14th, beaten just over six lengths. Gosden added: 'He got lit up on the way down and when the gates opened, he shot off. Then just as he was getting more settled, Wayne Lordan (on Trinity College) arrived on the scene. 'He's actually run a much better race than his finishing position indicates.' Cualificar races in the Godolphin colours and trainer Andre Fabre had recruited the services of their number one rider William Buick for the Lope De Vega colt, who had won each of his last three starts. Buick was pleased with his effort in second, but feel Cualificar will excel over further in time. He said: 'He was really solid and I thought we ended up in a really nice position and he did everything I asked of him really. 'The winner is a good horse, as we all know, and I think he (Cualificar) will probably get further. He will possibly get an Arc prep now and he doesn't lack for quality, that was a very good run. 'Anytime you get a call up to ride for Mr Fabre it's a pleasure.' Louise Benard, Godolphin's French representative added: 'It's a very nice second place, behind a very good colt. It's very promising going forward. 'He's entered in the Grand Prix de Paris (July 13), but we'll have to see how he comes out of this race and how he works in the mornings. The decision lies with Andre Fabre.' Ridari had been rated the leading French hope but he could finish only sixth, one place behind his fellow Aga Khan Studs-owned runner Azimpour. Racing manager Nemone Routh said: 'We're very happy with Azimpour. His draw didn't help, but he produced a very good final straight. He came home strongly, but probably just a bit too late. 'Looking ahead, I think he'll be better on softer ground, so probably more effective later in the year. 'He's entered in the Grand Prix de Paris, but we'll have to reassess, because the track is often a bit too firm for him at that time of year. 'As for Ridari, he doesn't really have any excuses. We're wondering if he truly stays the 2,100 metres. 'Based on the Poule d'Essai form, he should have been just behind the first few. But today, he didn't have the speed to finish off, he lacked something at the end. Maybe the distance is simply too long for him.'
