Kahayla Classic winner and last years’ fifth, Deryan, heads the fourteen runners declared. The seven-year-old son of Mahabb has been pleasing connections during morning trackwork with his trainer Didier Guillemin (who had arrived on Wednesday) saying: “I’m very happy with him. He looks well and I think I have him in better shape than last year. He seems relaxed, not as nervous as last year. The only thing I’m worried about is the ground. I think the dirt is deeper here than in Dubai, which goes against him.”
Thierry Delegue, manager of Yas Horse Racing Management, the owner of Deryan, Harrab and Teema (fourth in yesterday’s Al Mneefah Cup) was on the track on Thursday morning. He commented: “Like always, he looks brilliant. He is a horse who loves to travel and who looks like he is improving with each day he is out here. He is more relaxed than last year when he got worked up before the race for reasons we still don’t comprehend.”
The horse’s constant overseas travelling companion, the trainer’s daughter, Clemence, who is clearly devoted to Deyan, said of her charge: “I know him perfectly. Though he is a stallion, he doesn’t bite. It’s a real pleasure to ride and care for him.”
The team behind Deryan is confident, with his trainer believing he has kept him relaxed, whilst his daughter thinks he is in the same form that saw him win in Dubai. His racing manager agrees saying: “We come to Ridyah with big ambitions!”
