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Rogue Lightning justified his hefty price-tag with a commanding victory in the Gr.3 Dukhan Sprint (1,200m, Turf) at the HH Amir Sword Festival, providing Wathnan Racing with a jubilant start to 2025. Under a perfectly-timed ride from Mickael Barzalona, the Tom Clover-trained speedster emerged triumphant in his first start since finishing eighth in the 2024 Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp.
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In a thrilling conclusion to the Class 1 international invitation race, Washington Heights, partnered by Tom Eaves, mounted a determined challenge in the closing stages but had to settle for second place. Marco Ghiani guided Quinault to a creditable third position, completing the frame in this 13.20 feature.
The victory marks another chapter in the remarkable rise of Rogue Lightning, who was purchased for just 42,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale in 2022 by The Rogues Gallery. The son of Kodiac achieved a hat-trick in 2023 before finishing fifth in that year's Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp, which prompted his £1-million acquisition by Wathnan Racing at the Goffs Qipco Champions Day Sale.
This successful Qatar debut sets the four-year-old gelding up perfectly for an ambitious campaign. Trainer Tom Clover has indicated the Gr.2 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot as a major target, with today's performance suggesting those aspirations are well wi