Four-midable Fourcy scoops Arabian World Cup

Two’s company, three’s a crowd. Usually it’s for overcrowding that the phrase is used, but not for Thomas Fourcy as he saddled a 1-2-3 in the Qatar Arabian World Cup, with the charge Hoggar De L’Ardus prevailing by a head from Lady Princess for owner He Sheikha Reem Mohamed K H Al Thani.

Hoggar De l'Ardus and Mickael Barzalona win the Group 1 Qatar Arabian World Cup

PHOTO: © Tom Williams / JTW Equine Images

A race for pure-bred Arabians, it was Mickael Barzalona who snuck up the inside for victory, pipping stablemate Lady Princess by a head, with fellow stablemate Tayf back in third.

A thrilled Mickael Barzalona said afterwards that his mount was “very easy to ride” and “tried his best”. “He accelerated very well when I asked him”.

Hoggar De l'Ardus ( Red Cap ) and Mickael Barzalona win the Group 1 Qatar Arabian World Cup

PHOTO: © Jack Williams / JTW Equine Images

Trainer Thomas Fourcy was equally happy with the performance of his string, despite the conditions.

“It is very hard work for the Arabs in that ground”, he remarked. “Lady Princess found the final 50 metres very hard work, but I am extremely happy with her second place”.

“Hoggar De l’Ardus had the perfect run around on the inside….. he just keeps progressing”.

“He has got better with every race”.

Hoggar De l'Ardus and Mickael Barzalona win the Group 1 Qatar Arabian World Cup

PHOTO: © Jack Williams / JTW Equine Images

On future plans for the winner, the trainer stated he could go to “Doha this winter and go for the Emir’s Sword, and then Dubai maybe”.

“We will have a chat with the owners first”.

Finally, it was a word for Tayf, the previous year’s winner, who “gave his all and ran well”. He will now head off to stud, reported the trainer post race.

Many, huge and very grateful, thanks to France Galop for the opportunity to cover the meeting, and for the comments from connections post race.