Preview - 2024 Kahayla Classic: Saudi Stars Set To Clash With UAE’s Best

The Gr.1 Obaiya Arabian Classic winner has won 17 of his 17 starts. His trainer, Nasser Multaq, has reported that he and Gr.1 Mneefah Cup winner Tilal Al Khalediah have been in excellent form since arriving in Dubai. 

The Kahayla Classic, a race that was introduced to the Dubai World Cup card to provide Purebred Arabian owners with an opportunity to showcase their horses on the world stage, gained Group One status in 1999 when it was held at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. It has since become one of the leading events for Arabians, growing significantly in prominence. 

First Classs: Aiming For Second Kahayla Classic Title

First Classs aims to cement his position as one of the best Purebred Arabians in the world when he attempts to win his second Kahayla Classic title. 

The son of Dahess and winner of seven of his 28 starts, his success in 2022 includes this race in 2022 under Ronan Thomas when he won over Kerless Del Roc, after his win in the Saudi Cup US$1Million Al Mneefah Cup. He then picked off the valuable Gr.1 Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi in December. Bred by Cre Run in the U.S., he showed promise but was set for longer distances and greater races. He is currently being trained by the master of Red Stables, Doug Watson. He will be among Asfan Al Khalediah's tough opponents. 

First Classs, owned by Alan Kirshner & Deborah Mihaloff, is fresh and ready to compete, despite being drawn wide. Jockey Pat Dobbs is confident that First Classs will navigate his way around horses. 

The international field includes Falaah, who is trained by Oman's Champion Trainer Ahmed Al Balushi. Falaah has travelled a long way to compete in the Dubai Kahayla Classic, and his trainer reports that he is in good condition and ready to take on the competition. 

The local team includes RB Kingmaker, who has switched surfaces after winning the Gr.1 President's Cup on turf in Abu Dhabi. His trainer Helal Al Alawi is confident that RB Kingmaker will perform well on dirt. AF Alwajel, trained by three-time UAE Champion Trainer Ernst Oertel, is making a remarkable return to racing after briefly retiring to stud due to an injury. After covering a few mares, his owner-breeder Khalid suggested bringing him back to racing. AF Alwajel recently finished second to Suny Du Loup in Gr.1 Maktoum Challenge R3 and is now focused on winning the Dubai Kahayla Classic.

This year's renewal promises to be an exciting and unpredictable affair, with a wide-open field of contenders.