The connections of Geneva celebrate with their trophies.
Doha, Qatar: Geneva confirmed her quality and consistency with a hard-fought success in the Gr.1 (PA) French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Classic – Wathba Stallions in Toulouse.
The race, run over 2200m for 4-year-old and older Purebred Arabians, featured a field of six, and the talented filly finally earned the Group 1 (PA) title that had previously eluded her.
Trained by François Rohaut, ridden by Alexandre Gavilan, and carrying the colours of Abdulla bin Fahad Al-Attiyah, the four-year-old came into the race on the back of a strong third-place finish in the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments at ParisLongchamp.
Last year, she had also crossed the line first in the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches at Saint-Cloud, before being disqualified due to her jockey exceeding the permitted number of whip strikes.
This time, justice was firmly served as Geneva officially became a Gr.1 (PA) winner. She fired slightly left coming out of the stalls and soon settled in fourth in a race led by Almurjanah (AfAlbahar).
Still travelling behind Kanti de Bozouls (No Risk Al Maury), the pace steadied down the back straight, with the filly always moving comfortably.
When the tempo lifted entering the final bend, Geneva momentarily looked outpaced as the leaders kicked on, but she soon found her rhythm again. Inside the final 400 metres, the leader had opened up a few lengths on the field, but Geneva began to close in, moving into third and challenging Molfit (Al Mourtajez).
In the last 200 metres, she produced a determined effort to sweep past both rivals, though Wala’a (Gazwan) emerged with a strong late run on the outside. In a thrilling finish, Geneva held on gamely to win by half a length, with Wala’a finishing second and Molfit taking third.
Bred by Patrick Lombrail, Geneva is by Azadi out of Theeba (Amer), a dual winner over 1600m at four and 1700m at five, as well as twice third in Gr.1 (PA) company over 2000m at five
