05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai World Cup: First Classs wins Dubai Kahayla Classic
First Classs won the $1 million Dubai Kahayla Classic, a Group One dirt race, as the 29th Dubai World Cup got under way at Meydan on Saturday.
Ridden by Connor Beasley, the 2022 champion stayed strong and finished the race in style.
The Doug Watson-trained First Classs faced a late challenge from defending champion Tilal Al Khalediah but managed to clinch the victory amid big roars from the connections.
First Classs became only the third horse after Madjani and Unchained Melody to win the Dubai Kahayla Classic more than once.
"Big credit goes to Doug Watson and his team. There was a challenge from Tilal Al Khalediah but First Classs managed to dig deep for me. It's a massive achievement," jockey Beasley said after winning the race.
Long before the start of the first race, the grandstand at the magnificent racecourse was buzzing with excitement at the $30.5 million event, one of the richest race nights in the world.
The highlight of today's nine-race card is the $12 million Dubai World Cup which will see 11 thoroughbreds vying for glory on the dirt.
Japanese sensation Forever Young, who delivered a stunning run to win the $20 million Saudi Cup early this year, is the overwhelming favourite tonight at Meydan.
But don't write off Bhupat Seemar's chances of finding a place in the pantheon of racing immortals.
Having guided Laurel River to victory last year, the Dubai-based Indian trainer is pinning his hopes on Walk of Stars and Imperial Emperor, two formidable equine athletes, to land him another Dubai World Cup trophy.
Now that's the million-dollar question today as the Dubai World Cup has proved time and again that it's not the reputation of the horse, but the performance on the night that earns the big prize.
