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...
Capitalist Colt Wins G1 Goodwood
Talented Capitalist colt Reserve Bank has turned a corner since going to Adelaide, reeling off his third successive win at Morphettville on Saturday to capture the $1million SAJC The Goodwood (1200m).
Sires With Winners - Saturday May 10
Here is the full list of 102 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Justify Colt Triumphs in G3 WA Sires Produce
Talented colt Just Too Fly became the 43rd stakes winner worldwide for his incredible sire Justify (USA) when he notched up a hard fought win in the 1400m G3 WA Sires Produce Stakes (1400m).
Reserve Bank Leads Inglis Charge
Dynamic 3YO colt Reserve Bank (Capitalist) capped off an unbeaten Adelaide carnival with victory in today’s $1m G1 Goodwood at Morphettville.
Trapeze Artist filly Wins Listed Gold Coast Bracelet
Godolphin don’t buy many yearlings at Australian sales, but one that did take their fancy at Inglis Easter in 2023 was a $260,000 Trapeze Artist filly they purchased from Widden Stud and she became a stakes-winner on Saturday.
Record Breaking Breeze Up Sale at Arqana
Taking place the day before the French Guineas and following on from RULING COURT’s success in the 2,000 Guineas, the ARQANA Breeze Up Sale was held today in Deauville following the canters on Thursday at Deauville La Touques Racecourse and a day of inspections on Friday.
Catchy Family on Fire!
A high profile female family that centres around Group I MRC Blue Diamond winner Catchy, who sold at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale this week for $800,000, was in the spotlight on Saturday producing two new stakes-winners.
Inglis Digital Buy Barber Wins Takeover Target
Having just his second start for his new connections after being purchased for $215,000 from the Godolphin draft at last year’s Inglis Digital December Online Sale, Exceed And Excel gelding Barber captured the $250,000 Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) at Gosford.
Redwood's Antino Tops $2.5mil in G2 Hollindale Win
Jockey Blake Shinn produced another masterful ride on Antino as the dashing son of Redwood assumed command of the Gr.2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) rounding the home bend and careered away for a three-and-a-half length victory over Fawkner Park and Kovalica.
Know Thyself Captures The Coast
In outstanding form, having won his last three in a row leading into the $500,000 The Coast 3&4YO Quality (1600m) at Gosford, the Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich trained Know Thyself (The Autumn Sun) justifiably started the race favourite.