From Kazakhstan to the International Stage

Mark Smith - Sunday January 28

This could be the rags-to-riches story to top them all: a colt that breaks his maiden in a three-horse race at Kazakhstan on a track that would have Birdsville regulars shaking their heads captures the US$1,000,000 Group 1 feature at Meydan on Friday.

Advertisement

The 4-year-old California Chrome entire Kabirkhan booked his spot in the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 30 following a four and three-quarter length romp in the Al Maktoum Challenge.

Kabirkhan did his early racing in Kazakhstan and Russia, winning eight of nine starts and finishing second in the Russian Derby.

Break out the champagne (image Dubai Racing Club)

He has advanced his record to ten wins from 11 starts while claiming the honour of being the first Northern Hemisphere SW for Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome. The charismatic chestnut also enjoyed success in Dubai, winning the Dubai World Cup at five after finishing second to Prince Bishop the previous year.

A 12,000 Keeneland September yearling, Kabirkhan is out of the stakes-winning Castledale (Ire) mare Little Emily.  

California Chrome now stands at Arrow Stud in Japan. 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Spring Trial Watch – Everest Contenders on Show
The Rosehill trials on Thursday morning featured a couple of key Everest contenders with Private Harry winning easily over speedy 3YO North England, while Lady Shenandoah was under a tight grip to finish third in a later heat.
Tara Talks Racing – Stallion Parades, Old Legends and a Weekend Tip
We’re back in podcast land as the spring unfolds with plenty to talk about following our recent run of visits to the stallion parades, so what stallions did we like?
Sire Power Highlights Quality MM Horses in Training Catalogue
An incredible selection of the country's best proven and hottest young sires will feature at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale in October.
Up and Coming Well Named - So Who Are These Guys?
The $250,000 Group III ATC Up and Coming Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday is a race well named with a field of eight colts and geldings set to line up and while none are stakes-winners yet, one of them will be after the weekend.
G1 Plan for Kiwi Sprinter Niance
Six-year-old mare Niance will kick off a new campaign when she lines up in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley on Saturday week.
Melbourne Cup Dreaming for Kiwi Stayer
Peter and Shaun McKay are dreaming of a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) tilt with their quality stayer Wolfgang, and he will start his journey towards the iconic feature at Wanganui on Saturday.
Promising Winner and a Star on the Rise
One of the bargain priced sires on the Newgate Farm roster, Cosmic Force has never lacked for company covering 100 plus books of mares in each of his five seasons at stud so far totalling nearly 700 mares.
Sires With Winners - Thursday August 28
Here is the full list of 33 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday August 27
Here is the full list of 42 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sir Stanley Goosman’s Impact on the National Yearling Sale
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, and a prominent buyer during the history of the Sale was Stanley Goosman (later Sir Stanley).  He was a key player at the Sale during the World War II era, and headed the list of winning owners in New Zealand on 10 occasions.