Head-Maarek Claims Gender Bias After Split

Internationally renowned trainer Criquette Head-Maarek said she believes Al Shaqab Racing removed its horses from her yard because she is a woman, Racing Post reported Aug. 7. Al Shaqab racing adviser Harry Herbert said her claim of gender bias is untrue. 

Head-Maarek, who sent out Al Shaqab's Treve to back-to-back wins in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) in 2013 and 2014, said she had two 2-year-olds and a 3-year-old for the operation that were removed from her with no explanation.

Al Shaqab Racing is the nom de course of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar.

"I can't tell you anything except that they called and said the horses were leaving, goodbye," Head-Maarek told Racing Post. "I think it's because I'm a woman that they didn't feel comfortable—that is all I can think. I just gather that is what it could be. I haven't spoken with the sheikh. I hope I will be able to see him if he comes over.

"I asked Harry if he knew why, and he said he didn't and that he was surprised."

Herbert said moving the horses from Head-Maarek was a private matter between the parties involved.

"Criquette trained Treve beautifully, and the relationship between Criquette and the sheikh and the team throughout that process was faultless," he said. "As far as I'm concerned, (her claim of bias is) utterly ridiculous and untrue, so I'd put a line through that."

Treve was bred in France by Haras du Quesnay, owned by Head-Maarek's father, Alec Head. Haras du Quesnay raced the Motivator filly until Sheikh Joaan bought her following her victory in the 2013 Prix de Diane (Fr-I, French Oaks). Head-Maarek trained her throughout her career.