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Darain, who made headlines as the world’s most expensive yearling in 2018 at 3.5 million guineas, made a highly satisfactory racecourse debut with a 4¾-length victory over seven rivals in maiden company at Newbury on Wednesday night.
A full-brother to former champion two-year-old Too Darn Hot plus fellow Group winners Lah Ti Dar and So Mi Dar, the three-year-old son of Dubawi carries the Qatar Racing colours after being purchased by Sheikh Fahad's racing manager David Redvers at the Tattersalls in October 2018.
Trained by John Gosden, Darain was quite weak in the market before being sent off 2-1 joint-favourite for the 1m2f maiden.
After pressing a steady pace, he was pushed into the lead by champion jockey Oisin Murphy a couple of furlongs out and then quickiening up nicely for a ready success.
"Really pleased with Darain," reported Murphy. 'We didn't go very fast early because they were inexperienced horses, not many had a race under their belts.
"We really got racing from the bottom of the straight," Murphy added. "Darain went through the gears well and galloped right through the line.
"I'm pleased with him – I think he has an exciting future so please God we'll be hearing lots about him."