 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Pat Dobbs, riding his first Thoroughbred Gr.1 winner in the UAE, piloted Kabirkhan to victory at Meydan Racecourse. The night saw some breathtaking performances, but Kabirkhan's stunning win in the US$1 million Gr.1 Maktoum Challenge was the highlight of the nine-race card.
The son of California Chrome looked impressive as he won the race by four and three-quarter lengths, making him a strong contender for the Dubai World Cup. The colt, owned by Kazakhstan, had 30 supporters from his home country cheering him on as he gave Champion Trainer Doug Watson his first Thoroughbred Group one win. With this win, Kabirkhan earned an automatic spot in the US$ 12 million Dubai World Cup, after winning a handicap race just two weeks before. An X post
“He might be the best mile and a quarter horse I’ve ever trained,” said Watson.
“We’ll see what the owners want to do next but I’m glad he’s in our yard. I’m delighted for our team, Pat and of course everybody in Kazakhstan.”
Dobbs added, “this is massive for everyone, especially Doug. He’s such a good mover, he (Kabirkhan) doesn’t feel like he’s doing the times he is. Doug has a smile on his face whenever he sees him.”
The Kentucky-bred, Kazakhstan-owned, and Russian-trained horse began its journey on a dirt track at Almaty Hippodrome in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in 2022. In its first stint, the horse galloped dominantly to achieve its maiden win at Almaty, according to World Horse Racing's X post. The video shared on X shows Kabirkhan's transition to the contemporary world, featuring the colt at the Meydan Racecourse's gate 11, ready for its Gr.1 challenge.
Charlie Appleby, the Godolphin handler, enjoyed a remarkable night on turf, winning all four grass events, including the highlight of the night, the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta, with Measured Time. The Frankel colt faced a strong field, including Mawj, but looked the most likely victor under William Buick, beating stablemate Ottoman Fleet comfortably. Appleby was delighted with his first Group One win of 2024 and said that his next race would likely be the Dubai Turf.
Earlier on the card, Appleby won the Gr.2 Al Fahidi Fort for an eighth time with Mysterious Night, who was ridden by Buick and produced a length win over Vafortino. The Godolphin trainer picked up a second win over the straight turf course when Star Of Mystery, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, grabbed the Gr.2 Blue Point Sprint [Presented by Longines].
In the closing race, the Listed Al Khail Trophy, Siskany, trained by Appleby, won the race in the last-ditch fashion, denying the French-trained Al Nayyir in heartbreaking fashion. Siskany, now a nine-time winner, is likely to head back to the G2 Dubai Gold Cup on March 30th.
Barakka, ridden by Connor Beasley, gamely lifted the Gr.1 Maktoum Challenge Round 2 for Purebred Arabians, providing a first top-level success for trainer Ahmad bin Harmash. Despite his success, the winning trainer joked that he needs to find a Group One win with a Thoroughbred.
Bhupat Seemar, the Zabeel Stables handler, landed a notable 1-2 in the G3 UAE 2000 Guineas [Presented by Longines] when Mendelssohn Bay outpointed stablemate Killer Collect. The son of UAE Derby winner Mendelssohn was guided by freelance jockey Pat Cosgrave to an emphatic three and three-quarter length win over Killer Collect.
In the Firebreak Stakes, Hypothetical defended last season's victory in the Group three event, outbattling Southern Artist by three-quarters of a length. Mouheeb, winner of the Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas back in 2021, charged home in the Gr.3 Al Shindagha Sprint (Presented by Longines) to surprise trainer Michael Costa, beating Freedom Fighter by six-and-a-quarter lengths.