Worldwide standout grime runner Kabirkhan, a flesh-and-blood instance of the adage {that a} good horse can come from wherever, has arrived in america the place he’ll be conditioned by a number of Eclipse Award-winning coach Brad Cox.
Owned by Kazakhstan’s Tlek Mukanbetkaliyev, Kentucky-bred Kabirkhan started his racing profession in that nation after which discovered success in Russia. Whereas Kabirkhan began his profession with eight straight wins, he collected lower than the equal of $35,000 complete for these victories. However a few of these races are essential occasions in these international locations and he earned his shot at a much bigger stage.
It didn’t take lengthy to make an impression below these brighter lights. In his Jan. 12 debut at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, he received an about 1 1/4-mile handicap by 4 lengths and off that effort coach Doug Watson gave Kabirkhan a shot within the $1,002,604 Al Maktoum Problem, a Group 1 race at 1 3/16 miles. Kabirkhan cleared the Problem with ease, drawing off to a 4 3/4-length victory.
“He’s only a very nice horse,” Watson after the Problem win. “We had him working at dwelling and earlier than we ran him two weeks in the past, we knew he was good however we didn’t know if he may compete within the races over right here on this observe. … It’s not simple to return again in two weeks and run fairly like he did there — actual good time and to do it so properly and simply in the long run.”
Off that high stage win below Pat Dobbs, Watson ready Kabirkhan for a begin within the $12 million Dubai World Cup March 30 at Meydan, the place he would attempt to match the 2016 Dubai World Cup victory of his twin classic-winning sire California Chrome. That dream wouldn’t come true as Kabirkhan completed eighth, 18 lengths behind winner Laurel River.
With 10 wins in his 12 begins, Kabirkhan is the main profession earner for his sire at $815,436. He’s additionally the primary Grade/Group 1 winner for California Chrome, who was named Horse of the 12 months in 2014 and 2016. California Chrome presently stands at Japan’s Arrow Stud.
Kabirkhan arrived at Churchill Downs Might 12 and has galloped every day. Cox instructed Churchill Downs media that he’ll take it gradual with Kabirkhan earlier than figuring out his first begin.
“We’re simply beginning to get to know him and the way he strikes,” Cox stated. “We’ll get to know him a bit extra then begin to get a pair works below him earlier than we make any plans.”
California Chrome stood his first three seasons at Taylor Made Stallions and Kabirkhan is from his remaining crop throughout that keep on the farm close to Nicholasville, Ky.
Nadir Khassanov bought Kabirkhan for $12,000 on the 2021 Keeneland September yearling sale, the place he was consigned by Mulholland Springs, agent.
