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| Staff Writer |
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Defunded, a dual Group One winner, has recently been acquired privately and is now set to compete in the US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup on February 24th at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
The Kentucky-bred gelded son of Dialed In, formerly trained by Bob Baffert, was recently purchased from Michael Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman by Dr. Muhaideb Abdullah Almuhaideb's HDB Racing Stable, a new Saudi Arabian owner, for an undisclosed sum. The deal was brokered by Kildare Stud Farm, and the horse traveled from the United States on 17th, arriving in Saudi Arabia on 18th Dec, after which it cleared quarantine.
Khalid Mishref will be managing Defunded's career from now on, while Abdulaziz Khalid Mishref, based in Riyadh, will take over as the horse's new trainer.
Khalid Mishref, "He is an exceptional horse and has the profile, hopefully, to be a great asset to Riyadh racing and to do well in the Saudi Cup."
Defunded, the winner of the Gr.1 Hollywood Gold Cup Stakes and the 2022 Gr.1 Awesome Again Stakes, is eyeing a possible run in the US$20 million Saudi Cup. Although he finished second in his attempt to defend his title in the Awesome Again Stakes in October, he remains a top contender with earnings of US$1,666,600. The 6YO chestnut has an impressive record of seven wins, five seconds, and two thirds, with notable victories in the Gr.2 Californian Stakes and the 2022 Gr.2 Native Diver Stakes.
Before shipping to Saudi Arabia, Defunded has been training regularly at a quarantine facility in Ocala, Fla., according to the release. Although there have been no recent published workouts by Equibase, the horse is officially registered with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia with a rating of 116.
Defunded will continue to train in anticipation of an invitation to the Saudi Cup, the world's richest race, which takes place on February 19, 2022. Additionally, the US$12 million Gr.1 Dubai World Cup on March 30 at Meydan Racecourse is also being considered for this talented gelding.