3 minute read
The stunning grey Tallaab Al Khalediah extended his unbeaten record to five with an impressive performance in the US $1 million Dubai Kahayla Classic sponsored by Mubadala.
He became the first Saudi Arabian trained horse to add his name to this very important race in the Purebred Arabian racing calendar.
Ridden by Roberto Perez, he jumped well and immediately went to the front with Af Al Sajanjle, who briefly took the lead. When they came into the final straight of the 2000m event, the 7-year-old did not need much encouragement to take the lead and even though Chaddad made a great effort in the final yards, Tallaab Al Khalediah’s victory was never in doubt. He passed the winning post with his jubilant jockey, who is from Panama, with a length and a half to spare from Chaddad, while Barnamaj finished third.
Tallaab Al Khalediah is trained by Mutlaq bin Mashref for HRHP Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz and made headlines in Saudi Arabia when he nearly lost his bridle on his last start. Perez, who was celebrating his first Group 1 PA victory, explained: “Yes, the bridle came off in his last race, but I managed to get it back on and they changed a few things today to stop it happening again.”
“I feel so excited,” he added. “It is the second big win for this horse and I have ridden him both times. When I put him into the front I knew I had to save a little bit as he has been winning over 1800m and had 200m more to go today, but he stayed it well. The race went very well and he did nothing wrong.”
For his first start over the 2000m distance, Tallaab Al Khalediah, a son of Jalood Al Khalidiah and Siehame, completed the race in 2:13.68, setting a new track record. The order of finish was completed by Chaddad, Barnamaj, Mawahib, Al Zahir, Ziyadd, Nafees, Bandar, AF Al Sajanjle, Darius du Paon, Paddy’s Day, Cheik Roque, Sniper de Monlau, AF Marrah and Cakouet de Bozouls.
Race Quotes:
Jockey Roberto Perez (Tallaab Al Khalediah, 1st) – “I feel so excited. It is the second biggest win for this horse and I have ridden him both times. When I put him into the front I knew I had to save a little bit as he has been winning over 1800m and had 200m more to go today, but he stayed it well. The race went very well and he did nothing wrong. I know him well now. The bridle did come off in his last race, but I managed to get it back on and they changed a few things today to stop it happening again.”
Jockey Oisin Murphy (Chaddad, 2nd) – “He ran a cracker. He jumped slow, but finished well and it was a very good race. He is the best Arabian I have ridden.”
Jockey Jim Crowley (Barnamaj, 3rd) – “He hasn't been out of the first three all year and has ran so well again. We got a little bump at one stage, but it didn't make any difference at the end.”
Jockey Dane O’Neill (Al Zahir, 5th) – “He takes time to get into his stride, so starting a little slowly didn’t help, but he ran a solid race and picked up prize-money for fifth place. He’s probably a better horse on grass.”
