Yas Racing's Hayyan Takes Home The Kahayla Classic Crown

Out of the gates Af Alajaj had the lead into the backstretch only a head in front of Kerless Del Roc with First Class back by six lengths but with the distance to make up ground.

On the turn, the pace quickened and Barakka was taken to the lead by Ray Dawson with Hayyan being brought through to battle it out for the final 100m. It came down to a photo finish and a thrilling head-bobbing finish with the Majed AlJahoori-trained Hayyan taking the win with Oscar Chavez onboard.

Al Jahoori, who first won this race with Rabbah De Carrere in 2014 was ecstatic post-race.

"To win this for a second time is a dream and I'm very happy. I have to thank His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support."

His son and assistant trainer Sultan added.

"This horse is very sensitive. My heart stopped when I saw him stopping (near the finishing post) but he carried on and thankfully he won. My dad won this for the first time when I was just 14 years old, Rabbah De Carrere was one of the best horses we've ever had and finally, we've had another champion with Hayyan. I hope that there are more to come.

“The moment the trainer legged me up, I knew that he was way better than his last run. I knew that he would jump and put himself into a good spot without forcing him too much,” winning jockey Oscar Chavez said.

"He slowed down a little bit but he saw the other horse and he committed again. It is a great way to cap the season and I have to say thanks to all of the owners and the trainers for the support."

Ray Dawson who finished second on Barakka commented on being guttered by the result.

"Heartbroken. You’d rather lose by a couple of lengths than be beaten like that but he’s still an inexperienced young horse and there is always next year when hopefully he’ll improve. That's racing, someone's got to come up on the losing end but he gave me his all and I couldn't be prouder of him."