Sheikh Mohamed’s Min’ha wins Group 2 in France
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s homebred Min’ha notched the second Group victory of her career in the Criterium des Pouliches (Group 2 PA) at La Teste in France yesterday.
Before that, she was last seen when fourth, with Valentin Seguy in the saddle, in the Prix Nefta – Dormane (Group 2 PA) behind Amyr Du Soleil, also owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, at Bordeaux on May 23.
At La Teste, four-year-old chestnut filly was partnered once again by jockey Seguy. Drawn towards the inside in this 12-runner race, she sat on the rail in second or third position throughout the early stages of the 1900m run for four-year-old and older horses, with General Lady on her outside while the pace was set by Belqees.
Following the leader, Min’ha found herself alone in the straight, as Belqees weakened, and the François Rohaut-trained Min’ha was honest and professional to run all the way to the line to secure a two-and-a-half length victory in front of Al Shaqab Racing’s homebred Um Taj.
The Thomas Fourcy-trained runner-up was ridden by Jerome Cabre. The Julien Auge-ridden Almajdah, who was further two lengths behind, gave the third place as well to Al Shaqab Racing and Fourcy.
Trainer Rohaut was pleased with the manner in which Min’ha won, and commented, “She has improved over the winter. She is a very professional filly and it will be interesting to see how she runs in the Group 1 PA races for fillies. She won well today. There was a decent pace and she came to the lead easily. It’s what I wanted to see from here today, and I have!”
Min’ha is out of Margouia, so is a sister to champion Assy, the first ever Qatar-bred winner of His Highness The Amir Sword (Group 1 PA).