Owned by Hamad Bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, HAYZUM (FR) (Anodin x Sheema) proved an easy winner of the Grand Prix du Nord, a Listed race over 2,000 metres, at Chantilly on Friday, November 6.
After a slow start, the Elias Mikhalides-trained colt found himself relegated to last position despite being drawn one. His jockey Grégory Benoist asked his mount to pick up on leaving the final bend and HAYZUM delivered a very exacting response by passing all his rivals in the straight before scoring a five and a half length win. Qatar could be next on the horse’s agenda and trainer Elias Mikhalides told the Equidia channel: “He won very easily. At the halfway stage, I was worried as he seemed to be struggling a little whereas normally he tends to pull in his races. However, it all ended well. It’s the first time that he has raced in earplugs in an effort to get him to relax and that could explain it. He’s a real racehorse. It’s a victory for the whole team. The Qatar Derby will be run on December 20th. He belongs to a Qatari owner who would like to win this race. We will endeavour to ensure that no stone is left unturned regarding this. Even he prefers some give or a heavy track, he’s always acquitted himself well on good ground. I’m not worried. He will remain in training next year.”