Haya Zark’s Victory Surprises Many in Prix Ganay at Racing Post

The winner, Haya Zark, was trained by Adrien Fouassier in Senonnes, a training center in the west of France. The skilled jockey Alexis Pouchin rode Haya Zark and strategically positioned him behind the front-running Zarakem.

Haya Zark showed incredible toughness by holding off high-profile competitors as he crossed the finish line, narrowly beating Zarir by a head, with other Group 1 winners in close pursuit. Owner-breeder Odette Fau expressed surprise at the victory, stating that many had doubted their chances due to the ground not being heavy enough for Haya Zark and the quality of competition.

She praised Alexis for his exceptional ride and described Haya Zark as a solid and relentless horse. Alexis Pouchin, who had never ridden Haya Zark before this race, continued his successful streak into 2024, earning his fourth career Group 1 win.

He credited Christophe Soumillon for instilling confidence in him about Haya Zark’s ability to stride on, and he expressed astonishment at winning a Group 1 race so early in the season. Trainer Graffard acknowledged Haya Zark’s competitiveness at the highest level and his ability to handle longer distances.

Conversely, trainer Pascal Bary suggested that the ground conditions were not favorable for the horse Feed The Flame, despite his strong performance. Joseph O’Brien and various trainers expressed pride in their horses’ performances and discussed potential races for their next starts.

Specifically, Joseph O’Brien mentioned the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Prix d’Ispahan as potential options for his horse. Overall, the race showcased the skill and determination of Haya Zark and his jockey, while also providing insights and reflections from various trainers and owners on the performance of their horses.