Duty First strikes gold in landmark Dubai Duty Free Stakes

Dubai: Duty First stormed to victory in the Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Stakes on Saturday, headlining a landmark weekend as Dubai Duty Free celebrated 30 years of partnership with Newbury Racecourse.

Trained in Lambourn by Archie Watson and ridden by Hollie Doyle, the filly outclassed 14 rivals in the seven-furlong Classic trial. Initially aimed at the Italian Guineas, she is now being considered for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Dubai Duty Free backed seven of 14 races across the Spring Trials Weekend, which attracted record crowds and produced several local winners.

Andrew Balding’s Kingsclere team continued its blistering form, saddling four winners on Saturday — including Divina Grace and Jonquil, both having their first runs since switching yards.

Divina Grace edged out Tabletalk in the Group 3 Finest Surprise Stakes, while Jonquil, a son of Frankel, impressed in the Greenham Stakes and now has Classic ambitions of his own.

The meeting ended with Sweet Reward’s victory in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Handicap, a triumph for the Old Stoic Racing Club.

Trophies for the Dubai Duty Free-sponsored races were presented by Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi, joined by Senior Marketing Manager Salim Dahman and Events Supervisor Noel Parial. In his welcome remarks, Cidambi paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Colm McLoughlin, the company’s former CEO and Executive Vice-Chairman.