Al Hakeem is set to compete in the Arc de Triomphe

Al Hakeem is set to return to the Arc de Triomphe after a strong performance in the Prix Gontaut-Biron at Deauville. Jean-Claude Rouget’s five-year-old, who has shown significant potential but has been hampered by injury and limited racing, was a solid fourth in the 2022 Arc. He then had a lengthy 427-day absence before a comeback in June, finishing second in the Group Three La Coupe at ParisLongchamp.

In the Prix Gontaut-Biron, Al Hakeem, under Cristian Demuro and representing Al Shaqab Racing, delivered a comfortable half-length victory. “After his Arc run, the horse-faced challenges, and it took significant effort from the team at Al Shaqab in England to bring him back,” said Mohamed Al Mansour of Al Shaqab. 

He praised the team's outstanding efforts for the win and highlighted the goal of achieving a homebred victory in the Arc. Options before the Arc include the Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte or the Irish Champion Stakes, but they may go straight to the Arc. They'll assess his recovery and choose the best path forward based on the team's incredible work.