Published: Feb 14, 2010, 07:00

Seraphin Du Paon, owned by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emerged as the smart winner of the UAE Arabian Derby (Prestige), the night's feature race at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

Seraphin Du Paon, the four-year-old son of Akbar, was well-placed when approaching the home stretch, though crowd favourite Samira De Carrere was in the lead. But with about 250 metres to go, jockey William Buick hit the front and finished smartly to score a popular win for for Al Asayl Stables.  The derby was virtually a two-horse battle in the end with Samira De Carrere running in for second place. Third-placed Rahawan Al Reef finished a further ten lengths behind.

"He is a good horse. He gave me a nice feel. He is a good-moving horse and once I switched him to the outside he did the job," said Buick.