Zarakhan makes smart debut

Jockey Alexandre Gavilan guides Zarakhan to the Prix de Floirac victory in Bordeaux-Le-Bouscat, France. (Laurent Ferriere)

Owned and bred by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, the two-year-old colt Zarakhan got his career off to the perfect start when taking the Prix de Floirac (Maiden) at Bordeaux-Le-Bouscat on Thursday. In a race confined to horses that have never run, the Didier Guillemin-trained juvenile showed a professional attitude and took the 1,900m contest under a good ride from jockey Alexandre Gavilan. One of the quickest out of the stalls, Zarakhan was immediately placed amongst the leaders. Zimmer was rousted along to take the lead as the twelve runners headed down the back straight. Travelling well, Zarakhan tracked the leader through the first half of the race and was well positioned on the downhill run into the straight. Nudged along on the turn for home, Zarakhan chased the strong travelling Zimmer. Once in the straight, Zarakhan began to made headway on Zimmer, then came through to take the lead inside the final 200m. Once in front, Zarakhan stayed on gamely to the line to score by just under a length from the fast-finishing pair of Eliyass (Le Havre), who took second and Sarel (Kendargent), who finished third. Early leader Zimmer faded badly in the closing stages and finished fifth. “We can never know what the opposition are like in these types of races”, said the winning trainer Didier Guillemen after the race, “He is a pretty laid-back colt. He has won but he could have finished third and we would have been happy. He is very well put together and is a nice horse. We like him a lot in the yard. There is a chance that he will run again this winter and it is certain that he will come on for the run.” Bred by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa al-Thani through Haras De Victot, Zarakhan comes from the first crop of two-year-olds by Aga Khan sire stallion Zarak. His dam, Reem finished third on her only start. She is a sister to triple Group 1 winner and now stallion Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit).