Dubai: Falaah, owned by H.H. Sayyid Shihab bin Harib bin Thuwaini Al Said, provided Oman with a historic first victory on the 30th Dubai World Cup night as he powered home to win the $1,000,000 Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic, sponsored by Zabeel Feed.
According to Emirates News Agency, Falaah, drawn 15 of 15, was patiently ridden by his Omani rider Al Moatasem Al Balushi. The eight-year-old son of AF Al Bahar settled off the pace, as his usual style has been all season, and travelled powerfully despite going wide throughout the 2000m race, in which 15 horses competed.
As the race neared the finish line, YAS Racing's Muraad appeared to have secured victory by kicking for home with a few lengths in hand. However, Falaah steadily closed the gap, ultimately winning by a short head. Mubeed trailed more than six lengths behind in third place.
Falaah's victory in the Dubai Kahayla Classic marked his first Group 1 win on Super Saturday after winning Round 3 of the Al Maktoum Challenge in a similar fashion. The horse had previously competed in the Kahayla on World Cup night in 2024, finishing fifth to Saudi Arabia's Tilal Al Khalediah.
Trainer Ahmed Al Balushi expressed his delight, stating: "Thanks to God. It is a first Kahayla Classic for Oman, so we are obviously delighted. On Super Saturday when he won, I thought he could perform at this level and he did not disappoint. Gate 15 is never an easy thing for any horse, but he showed his class there."
Jockey Al Moatasem Al Balushi shared his excitement, saying: "I can't describe how happy I am. I probably won't sleep for another week. I ran the scenarios in my head before the race many times and I had a plan A, a plan B and a plan C. Thankfully it went the way it did."