Month: January 2024

California Chrome’s Kabirkhan Up To The ‘Challenge’

KABIRKHAN (c, 4, Califorrnia Chrome–Little Emily, by Castledale {Ire}) continued his fairy-tale run at the Dubai Racing Carnival, as he raced prominently following a bit of a sluggish dispatch and powered home late to easily take out Friday's G1 Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan. Returning just a fortnight after annexing a 2000-metre handicap, the $12,000 Keeneland September bargain raced ahead of midfield in about fifth position as First Constitution (Chi) (Constitution) burned plenty of fuel to inject some pace into his race for the commonly owned GIII Lukas Classic winner Clapton (Brethren). Three wide and right there to pounce for the run around the turn, the chestnut with the big white blaze–his Dubai World Cup winning sire's body double–went for home three off the inside and had four lengths on Franz Strauss (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) in a solid clocking for the 1900 metres. Trainer Chad Summers indicated pre-race that they would be content to race Clapton wide so as not to be trapped inside as they were when finishing down the field in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic when last seen. Five deep on the circle, Clapton plugged on gamely for Antonio Fresu and managed to cling on for third. Kabirkhan is the first Northern Hemisphere Group 1 winner for the expatriated California Chrome and a first Thoroughbred Group 1 winner for the affable Doug Watson. Sales history: $12,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP. O-Tlek Mukanbetkaliyev; B-Kehner Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Doug Watson.

 

 

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Kodiac Filly Unleashes Scintillating Turn Of Foot To Stun G2 Blue Point Sprint Foes

Just two races after her half-brother Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) won the G2 Al Fahidi Fort, Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' STAR OF MYSTERY (GB) (f, 3, Kodiac {GB}–Mistrusting {Ire}, by Shamardal) picked up strongly in the closing stages to take the AED850,000 G2 Blue Point Sprint by 1 3/4 lengths. Her case had looked fairly hopeless for much of the 1000-metre turf sprint as she raced near the tail of the field, but Mickael Barzalona steered his charge up in between horses and her finishing kick was so potent she made up several lengths in the final 100 metres to win going away. Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}) ran second, with Tajalla (Ire) (Kessaar {Ire}) a neck back in third. The final time for the race was a sharp :56.14. Lifetime Record: 7-4-0-0.
O/B-Godolphin (GB). T-Charlie Appleby

 

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In the Hot Seat: Sean Quinn

Sean Quinn, who assists his father John at their Highfield Stables in Malton, is a fan of Ardad and Munster Rugby.

Proudest moment of 2023?

Aside from my daughter's birth, Highfield Princess winning the Prix de l'Abbaye. There was plenty stacked against her but she found a way to win.

What is your biggest ambition for the new year?

To get the best out of every horse in our care. A Royal Ascot winner is always an aim too.

Give us one horse to follow and why?

Stay In The Game (Ire) – a twice raced son of Too Darn Hot (GB) out of a half sister to Order Of St George (Ire). I would hope he can only improve as a three-year-old.

And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on…

Hamish Macauley always needs an eye keeping on him!

Who do you think will be champion first-season sire this year?

We tried hard to buy a Pinatubo (Ire) yearling last year but didn't manage to get one. His stock caught the eye on the sales grounds.

And the best value stallion in Europe?

Rajasinghe (Ire) has done very well considering the limited support he has had. Breeders on a budget could do far worse than him. I'm also a big fan of Ardad (Ire).

What's the one horse you wish you'd bought in 2023?

Whichever one wins the Coventry in 2024!

Biggest regret?

None. What's meant for you won't pass you by.

Biggest influence on your career?

My parents

If you could sit down for dinner with three people (dead or alive) who would they be and why?

Ronan O'Gara, Paul O'Connell and Keith Wood. I'm a big Munster rugby fan and admire the leadership qualities of all three men. Not talking racing around a dinner table would make a change too.

 

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