Al Zahir Punches Ticket To Kahayla Classic
Trained by Ali Rashid Al Rayhi for His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Al Zahir has won four of his seven UAE outings. “He is a very good horse and I imagine will take his chance in the Kahayla Classic on World Cup night now.” Said the the owner’s retained jockey, Jim Crowley. Retricted to 4-year-olds, the 2400m Group 3 Arabian Triple Crown R3, won by Al Zahir last year, went to Goshawke, victorious in the 2200m second round two weeks ago. “Al Zahir has proved he’s a very good horse on the turf and I’m sure he can handle the dirt if the kick-back can be avoided,” said his trainer Ali Al Raihe.
Al Zahir stable mate Barnamaj has not earned as much but has shown a fighting spirit which proves strong capability to Al Raihe.
The duo is joined on the field by a resolute Ziyadd who beat 1600m Al Maktoum Challenge R1 winner, Paddy’s Day, and 2200m R2 victor, Barnamaj in the Al Maktoum Challenge R3. The Jean De Roualle-trained son of Bibi de Carrere ex Mizzna has proved himself capable beyond a shadow of a doubt over this season.
Paddy’s Day, a horse who jockey Pat Dobbs said was absolutely thriving in Dubai, The two-time American Purebred Arabian of the Year at the annual Darley Awards was a chance purchase for owners Stuart and Lori Powell. Named for the Saint’s Day on which he was born in 2011, the bay colt looked much like his race-bred dam, AK Loretta, with a smaller white stripe down his face. No matter what happens in Dubai, the Powells plan to bring Paddy back home to the US after the race. “We will return to California to run in the 7 April, Sheikh Mansoor Festival’s Sheikha Fatima Grade 1 Santa Anita race” said Scott. “Then, after a break, we will take Paddy back to Delaware for the season.”
The Powells have 54 horses on their New Mexico Quarter Moon Ranch. With a win in the Kahayla Classic, Paddys Day will make history as the most successful US Arabian race horse earner in history.
Chaddad from Oman, and Darius Du Paon from Sheikh Khalifa’s Al Asayl Stables are just two others who merit a mention in an ultra-competitive renewal.
US$1,000,000 DUBAI KAHAYLA CLASSIC (GROUP 1) 2,000m (a10 furlongs) Dirt