Jockey Alejandro Gutirrez-Val astride H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani's Gavial on their way to win the Prix Du Gabardan at Mont-De-Marsan in France yesterday. Pic: Laurent Ferriere
Owned by H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, two-year-old colt Gavial (Ifraaj x Vorda) made a successful start to his career when taking the Prix Du Gabardan, a Maiden, at Mont-De-Marsan, France, yesterday.
Trained by Philippe Sogorb, Gavial confirmed the strong market expectation and took the 1,400m contest under a good ride from apprentice jockey Alejandro Gutirrez-Val.
Although drawn wide in stall 7, Gavial broke well and was placed just behind the leaders. A good pace was set by Zawaaya (Oasis Dream) through the first 400m of the contest. Gavial was a shade green through the first half of the race and had to be niggled along by Gutirrez-Val to hold his position.
The pace slowed as the field rounded the home turn and Gavial took closer order. On entering the home straight, he was angled out wide and he gradually began to make ground on Zawaaya and the pair broke clear of the field inside the final 200m. Gavial headed Zawaaya in the final strides of the race, going on to win by half a length at the line. Albertinelli (Dream Ahead) finished a further five and a half lengths back in third.
“He is a colt that has always worked correctly in the mornings and he comes from a family of winners. I like what he has done there and he won quite pleasantly”, said winning trainer Philippe Sogorb after the race.
"He has closed down the leader well and had plenty left at the line. It is always enjoyable to train horses like him, but this is even more enjoyable as I also trained the mother, VORDA. Knowing the mother has allowed me to get to know him and all her offspring have won for me,” Sogorb said.
Bred by H H Sheikh Mohammed's Al Shahania Stud, Gavial is by Darley stallion Ifraaj (Zafonic). His dam Vorda (Orpen) was extremely precocious as a two-year-old and won four of her first five starts, including the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket in 2013. She has now produced four winners, including Saiga (Teofilo) a listed winner, carrying the colours of H H Sheikh Mohammed as well, at Toulouse in 2020.
