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| Staff Writer |
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As the sun dips on the Red Stables, eight-time UAE champion trainer Doug Watson is seen charging through his stable with the energy that comes only from preparing some of the sport's most promising talents. The veteran conditioner, who has dominated UAE racing for over a decade, has assembled what might be his most exciting group of horses yet, headlined by the emerging superstar Kabirkhan.
The Kentucky-bred son of Dubai World Cup winner California Chrome has been nothing short of sensational, winning ten of his eleven starts. His only defeat came in the Russian Derby, a loss he promptly avenged at Meydan before claiming the Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge by an impressive 4¾ lengths. This victory, a 'win and you're in' qualifier for the US$12 million Dubai World Cup, marked a significant milestone in Watson's illustrious career.
"He had most of the summer off," Watson explains, discussing the US$12,000 Keeneland September purchase who has far outrun his modest price tag. "He had some issues after World Cup night, but Neil McLaughlin and his team did an unbelievable job with his therapy and getting him back to training." The rehabilitation process, carefully managed at WinStar Farm, has been crucial in preparing Kabirkhan for his upcoming campaigns.
"When you're around him, you love him. He just tries so hard," Watson says of Kabirkhan, his eyes lighting up. "The owner would love to go back to this race, and possibly nominate him for The Saudi Cup and then The World Cup."
Under the careful supervision of David Scanlon during quarantine, Kabirkhan has maintained the form that made him Kazakhstan's champion 2YO. His commanding presence in the stable yard reflects the exceptional value Watson and his team have uncovered in the sales ring.
The depth of Watson's stable is remarkable this season. Clapton, a recent addition to the yard, brings top-level American form, having competed in the Breeders' Cup after winning a Group Two at Churchill Downs. "He had run 23 times in 25 months before joining us," Watson notes. "He's lazy as can be now, but beautiful. When he had his first work the other day, he lit up."
Another exciting prospect is Auto Bahn, formerly trained by Julio Olascoaga. The impressive colt, second to Forever Young, is aiming for the Maktoum Challenge prep race in December. His arrival, along with several other high-profile acquisitions for Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa, demonstrates the growing international confidence in Watson's programme.
The trainer's ability to prepare horses for Dubai's biggest races has attracted owners from around the globe. His methodical approach to training and deep understanding of how the form of different racing jurisdictions translates to Meydan's unique conditions have made him a go-to trainer for international connections.
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Watson's ability to source talent globally is evident in his new South American charges. Oasis Boy, unbeaten in his native region, joins the stable after what Watson describes as a "rough trip" last year. "He's really a good horse, having won quite a few races in South America," Watson explains.
The stable's international flavour is further enhanced by Ateeq, who Watson believes could excel at a mile or quarter, and the return of multiple Group One PA winner First Classs, targeting the President's Cup after a productive summer break. First Classs's success particularly highlights Watson's versatility as a trainer, having excelled with both Thoroughbreds and Arabians.
"These horses are really top horses. Auto Bahn is exciting, Kabirkhan is exciting, Clapton is exciting. They can run at the top-level. Getting them there in one piece is always the difficult part for us," Watson enthuses.
Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the yard is the US$400,000 purchase, Cats By Five, by Watson for RRR Racing at the Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale. The 3YO Audible colt, though currently delayed in his journey to Dubai due to travel anxiety, represents the quality of horse now being attracted to Watson's operation. Bred by Westwind Farms in Kentucky from a Bluegrass Cat mare, he embodies the classic American dirt pedigree that has historically performed well at Meydan.
"He was an angel at training and quarantine," Watson explains. "When he had to go into the three-stall flight box, he got a little nervous. We'll try to get him here a month or so from now." This patient approach typifies Watson's horsemanship, always putting the animal's well-being first.
The stable's 2YO division is headed by Ruby Hamilton, an Audible filly Watson speaks of with particular enthusiasm. "We've had some success with fillies in the past, and we're looking forward to seeing what she can do," he says, noting her upcoming trial on the sixth. Her development will be closely watched, as Watson has demonstrated a particular skill in developing young talent.
Watson's string is further bolstered by the return of proven performers Colour Up for the Sprint Series and Al Tariq, successful in his last start.. Additionally, six new arrivals from Kazakhstan are set to join the stable, all winners in their homeland. They represent a significant investment in Watson's programme by Kazakh connections.
The trainer's recent success includes handling Isolate, winner of the Gr.2 Godolphin Mile for Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi's RRR Racing. While Isolate is currently recuperating at the farm, Watson remains hopeful of his return, demonstrating the stable's commitment to giving horses the time they need to recover fully.
Watson's expertise extends beyond Thoroughbreds to Arabians, where he's enjoyed considerable success with First Classs. "When First Classs arrived, I walked into the stall and thought 'now there's the type of Arabian we want to see again,'" he recalls. "He's a good size and he's got a great attitude." This versatility has helped establish Watson as one of the most accomplished horsemen in the UAE.
Another promising addition is Rawy, a sprinter Watson describes as "a great horse we are looking forward to," who has been showing positive signs in training. The depth of Watson's sprint division could prove particularly significant as the Dubai World Cup Carnival approaches.
Despite having fewer numbers than in previous seasons, Watson's focus on quality over quantity is evident. His reputation for excellence, particularly with horses from Eastern Europe, was recently underlined when he saddled a one-two in the Dubai Islands handicap at Meydan. This success with Eastern European imports has become something of a specialty for the yard, with Watson developing a keen eye for identifying horses suited to Dubai's racing program.
As dawn breaks over Dubai, Watson's optimism for the season ahead is palpable. While last year might not have delivered the quantity of winners he's accustomed to, the quality of his current string suggests this season could be among his most memorable yet.
"Last year, we didn't have a whole lot of wins," he reflects, "but this will be much different this year. Hopefully, we can do well in the bigger races again."
With rising stars like Kabirkhan, proven performers like First Classs, and exciting newcomers like Cats By Five and Ruby Hamilton, Watson's assessment seems less a hope and more a promise. The eight-time champion trainer appears poised for another remarkable season in the UAE, his stable armed with talent across all divisions and distances. As the Dubai World Cup Carnival approaches, Watson's Red Stables looks set to play a major role in the international racing scene once again.