Haya Zark wins his second Prix Exbury and Daramethos lands his second Jebel Ali Stakes. Both Zarak and Sea The Stars enjoyed back-to-back winners of Stakes races over the weekend.

In France, Haya Zark won the first Stakes race of 2024 – the Gr.3 Prix Exbury – for the second consecutive year.

The first-crop son of Zarak won by a length and a half, with another Zarak, Marquisat, finishing third.

“I dreamt he could do it again after last year and he did,” said Haya Zark’s owner-breeder Odette Fau. “He had his ground, he was fresh and he won very well.”

Trainer Adrien Fouassier added: “He loves this extreme ground, and a left-handed course, and he had a dream trip with a lead. He can be keen between horses, but when he is in the clear, like today, he is much more relaxed. In the straight he quickened as if he were on fast ground and it was amazing. We made mistakes with him last year, running on fast ground and over too long a trip, but there will be no such mistakes this year. The weather will dictate where we run.”

In the UAE, Daramethos won his second edition of the Listed Jebel Ali Stakes. Bred by Godolphin, the son of Sea The Stars now races in the colours of Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. He is the third Stakes winner for his sire so far in 2024.