US-trained Extravagant Kid timed it to perfection in the Al Quoz Sprint (Credit – DRC & Erika Rasmussen)
The Brendan Walsh-trained Extravagant Kid (USA) became the first American-trained winner of the US $1m Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by Azizi Developments when he burst through the ranks to beat the Godolphin filly Final Song by half a length, followed in third place by Acklam Express.
The field had initially split into three groups and Ryan Moore produced an inspired ride when he took the son of Kiss The Kid towards the stands’ side from where he launched his attack to take the lead in the final 50m.
The 8-year-old Extravagant Kid not only created history for the USA by winning the race in 01:09:26 but also produced a personal best, as he had been placed in Graded races before but had never actually won one.
“What an unbelievable race,” said his owner David A Ross. “His trainer Brendan Walsh had a good feeling about him, he came into the race well, Brendan had him prepped well. He really liked the venue here and we thought we would take advantage. As an 8-year-old, what about that?”
Irish-born Brendan Walsh, a former assistant to Godolphin who is based in the United States, has a perfect record at Meydan where he has now won 2 races from 2 starts after the victory of Plus Que Parfait in the 2019 UAE Derby.
He said: “No credit must go to me, I just put the saddle on. My lad here looked after him and he was very pleased with him.”
And Ryan Moore, who recorded his first success in this 1200m sprint, commented: “It was a very messy race. The speed looked like it was going to be stands’ side but we had to make a decision. Space Blues and Khaadem were going, they were the best horses and gave me a bit of toe. The horse ran a super race at Keeneland (in the Breeders’ Cup). He is a very talented horse. You’ll have to watch out for Brendan when he comes back here!”
Saeed bin Suroor, trainer, FINAL SONG (2nd) – “She ran a big race. She moved to the middle, but she finished her race really good, she managed to come second. This is her trip, six furlongs (1200m). We’re going to keep her at the same trip. We are going take her back now to Newmarket and find a race for her in Europe.”
Christophe Soumillon, jockey – “She ran really well, unfortunately we were on the wrong side. I think if we had drawn on the outside she would probably win but it was a good run from her.”
Rowan Scott, jockey, ACKLAM EXPRESS (3rd) – “What a brave little horse. I’m over the moon with the run. I couldn’t have asked for more. I could have done with a length longer, it might have even been closer but I’m over the moon with that.”
Frankie Dettori, jockey, EQUILATERAL (4th) – “He ran a good race, it’s just that 1200m is too long.”
Pat Dobbs, jockey, MOTAFAAWIT (5th) – “It was a very messy race, I was outpaced for the first two (furlongs,400m), I was too far out of my ground, but he ran well. I finished 5th – considering the draw he had no chance.”
Press Release: DRC
