Showing a touch of class for his racecourse debut, the Al Shaqab Racing owned colt HAURAN (Al Wukair x Hazelzy) proved too good for his rivals when winning the Prix De Fabron (Maiden) at Cagnes-Sur-Mer on Monday, January 17th.
Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, the three-year-old took the 1,500m contest in impressive style under a fine educational ride from Cristian Demuro, just touching off stablemate Le Duc (Almanzor).
Breaking on terms with the field, Hauran was then settled towards the rear of the main peloton by Demuro. The early pace was cut out by Le Duc, but Leo Spirit (Charm Spirit) refused to settle and took over on leaving the back straight. Content in sixth place, Hauran travelled well behind the leaders but was forced three-wide on entering the straight. Inside the final 400m Hauran took closer order, traveling better than both Le Duc and Saint Hellier (Le Havre). The three were virtually upsides inside the final 200m but the Rouget pair soon pulled clear and passed the post in a head-bobbing finish. A photo was needed to split the pair and Hauran was announced the winner, defeating stablemate Le Duc by a nose. Despite fading in the final strides, Saint Hellier held on to finish two and a half lengths back in third.
Trainer Jean -Claude Rouget said after the race (trainer of Hauran, trainer/owner of Le Duc)
“ I am very happy with the performance of both my runners. Le Duc carried 3,5kg less than Hauran…. And that was reflected at the finish. When he got off after the race, Cristian Demuro told me that Hauran won with plenty up his sleeve and once he got to the front, he didn’t do too much. They should both take another step forward now. Hauran will head towards a Class 2, while Le Duc will try another maiden. I’m very relieved that it wasn’t a dead heat (laughs)!”
Winning jockey Cristian Demuro also added
“The colt won well. Turning for home, he was cantering but once he hit the front, he only did enough. He has huge potential and will come on for that! He has done some very nice pieces of work at home.
Bred by Miss F. Perree, Hauran was purchased by Al Shaqab Racing at the 2020 Arqana October Yearling sale. He is from the first crop of Haras de Bouquetot based stallion Al Wukair (Dream Ahead). Hauran’s dam Hazely (Cape Cross) won twice in the UK. Her first foal, Mouillage (Toronado) won the Listed Prix Millkom at Marseille-Borely in 2021 and is also trained by Jean-Claude Rouget.
Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club