Well regarded by connections, the Al Shaqab Racing-owned colt WELWAL (Shalaa x Cheriearch) confirmed expectation when taking the Prix Arazi at Deauville on Thursday, October 21st.
Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, the two-year-old made an impressive winning debut at Deauville back in August before chasing home the extremely highly touted Raclette (Frankel) at Chantilly in September. Dropped back down to 1,500m, Welwal dominated the six-strong field under a confident ride from Cristian Demuro.
A race run on the fibresand, Welwal was quickly out from stall one and was quickly sent forward by Demuro. Taking the field along at a steady pace, both Welwal and Starfix (Dabirsim) shared the lead. With little change to the order on the turn for home, Welwal travelled well and looked to have all angles covered. Once in the straight, Welwal was sent clear of his rivals and stretched into a two-length lead. Galloping on strongly inside the final 200m, Welwal went on to score readily from Onesto (Frankel), who travelled well throughout the race and made eyecatching late headway, but ultimately could not land a clear blow at Welwal. Starfix held on well for third.
Speaking after the race, the winning trainer Jean Claude Rouget said:
We picked this race on purpose before he heads into next season. I didn’t want to run him on heavy ground, so this race was ideal. I thought about the Isonomy but I didn’t think they would get the ground. It wasn’t too bad for the listed, soft but not heavy. I’m happy, its sure that he is a good colt. The first three home looked good and that was a solid race. He will go on a break now and then come back for the good ground in the spring”
Bred in partnership by Oceanic Bloodstock, Mrs. A Gravereux and OTI Management, Welwal is by AL Shaqab stallion Shalaa (Invincible Spirit) who stands at Haras de Bouquetot. His dam Cheriearch(Arch) was a Listed winner at La Teste de Buch and has now produced four individual winners, including Epistrophy(Charm Spirit) who finished third in a Group Three at ParisLongchamp.
Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club