French Finish 1-2 in Emir's Trophy in Doha

French runners stormed to a 1-2 finish in the $1 million H.H. The Emir's Trophy Presented by Longines at Al Rayyan Racecourse in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 23 as American hope Liam the Charmer tired late and was virtually eased home.

The Trophy was the highlight of the three-day Emir's Sword Festival for Thoroughbreds and purebred Arabians, the crown jewel of Qatar's racing season. The co-featured H.H. The Emir's Sword for Arabians also carries a $1 million purse.

In the Trophy, jockey Olivier Peslier sent French King to the front and rationed his speed to finish first after 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) over firm turf. The 4-year-old British-bred colt by French Fifteen finished in 2:26.12. He is trained in France by Henri-Pantall for Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

He was followed home by fellow French raider Royal Julius, a 6-year-old by Royal Applause, and Irish-based Hunting Horn, eighth in the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) and most recently third in the W.L. McKnight Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park for the Coolmore connections.

Two-time Trophy winner The Blue Eye finished fourth.

French King was making his first start since Oct. 27, but Peslier said he delivered "a great effort."

"He jumped very well and he was really happy in front," Peslier said. "Happy horses make happy people."

Liam the Charmer's connections were less happy with the result.

"For seven-eighths of a mile, I really loved were you were," trainer Michael McCarthy told jockey Tyler Gaffalione, noting Liam the Charmer raced well just behind the leading pack until the field was well down the backstretch.

"I was following (Hunting Horn), and everything was looking good," Gaffalione said. "Then, no horse."

Gaffalione said Liam the Charmer didn't show any physical problems but just didn't get the distance.

"Bad outcome. Good experience," McCarthy said. "We would come back."

Qatar is listed in Part II of the International Cataloging Standards and International Statistics, and the H.H. The Emir's Trophy is a Part II-group 1 race. The winner earns black type, but the group designation is only recognized within the country.

Money Multiplier traveled from the United States to finish third in the 2018 edition of the race.

The festival had a distinct international flavor with a first-ever Japanese runner and a pair of wins by Ryu Abe, a 23-year-old NRA jockey making his first trip from Japan. Ryan Moore, who rode Hunting Horn, and Gaffalione were first-time participants in the Doha festivities.

Global Spectrum, a 3-year-old Dutch Art colt, won the Al Biddah Mile, and Gay Kelleway, who trains him in England, said he will go on to the Poule d'Essai des Poulians (French Two Thousand Guineas, G1). Owner Dr. Johnny Hon, who splits his time between London and Hong Kong, said Global Spectrum could have global aspirations if he continues his development.

The Breeders' Cup also sponsored a race on the program, the $250,000 Dukhan Sprint won by French-bred but locally owned Anima Rock.