Qatar Arabian Trophy des juments (Gr1-PA, 4yo Fillies): Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte on a winning streak

The Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches – a Group 1 race reserved for Purebred Arabian fillies – was won by Hm Al Zalmaa, trained at Mont-de-Marsan by Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte. Earlier in the afternoon, the trainer had already won the Colts' equivalent, the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (Group 1 PA).

Hm Al Zalmaa was making her second racecourse appearance, having won on debut at La Teste in the Prix Bengali d'Albret. She is owned by Qatari owner Abdulghani Al-Abdulghani and was bred in southwest France by Haras du Saubouas and Nada Mousalli.

Hm Al Zalmaa finished ahead of Lady de Faust, a filly trained at Royan-La Palmyre by Thomas Fourcy. Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte also saddled the third-placed horse, Lacaro du Croate.

Geneva, who finished first past the post, was disqualified for overuse of the whip by her jockey.

Quotes from the connections

Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte - trainer of Hm Al Zalmaa (1st), Lacaro du Croate (3rd), Ghara (4th), Wala'a (6th) - Mont-de-Marsan Training Centre

"Hm Al Zalmaa ran a very good race. She's a filly with a slight physique but extremely generous. After her victory at La Teste, we wanted to keep her fresh for this Group 1 PA. She gave her all on the track. She was stepping up from 1,400 metres to 2,000 metres, but I had no concerns. Her jockey, Guillaume Guedj-Gay, knows her perfectly; he rides her every morning. Out of four runners, three are in the money. Lacaro du Croate finishes very well, as does Ghara. I'm delighted with their progress; they are among the best in their generation. It's encouraging for next year, the 4-year-old season being good. See you next year!"

Thomas Fourcy - trainer of Lady de Faust (2nd), Hajmah (10th) and Serena du Loup (12th) - Royan-La Palmyre Training Centre

"Lady de Faust, who we have always held in high regard, ran very well. Today, we were more forward. The filly responded well. She battled and showed courage. She will be even better next year."