In a contest that underscored the calibre of international sprint racing, the Dubai Racing Club meeting at Meydan Racecourse on 28 March, 2025 staged Race 5, the Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by AZIZI Developments, a Group 1 event that brought together a distinguished field of three-year-olds and upwards on turf.
The race was conducted at 18:20 over a sharp turf sprint distance and carried a substantial total purse of USD 1,500,000, with USD 870,000 awarded to the winner. The Al Quoz Sprint has consistently attracted top-class sprinters from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and this edition maintained that standard with a competitive and closely matched lineup.
Native Approach (GB), ridden with measured control by Connor Beasley and trained by Ahmad bin Harmash, produced a well-judged performance to secure victory. Positioned within striking distance through the early and middle stages, the gelding travelled smoothly before being asked to quicken inside the final furlong. Responding decisively, he edged ahead in the closing strides to record a winning time of 1:10.02 while carrying 60kg.
Lugal (JPN), under Katsuma Sameshima for trainer Haruki Sugiyama, emerged as the principal challenger throughout the latter stages. The Japanese runner maintained a strong rhythm and delivered a sustained late effort, reducing the margin in the final yards but ultimately finishing second in 1:10.08, matching the winner on weight. The narrow gap between the first two highlighted the competitive intensity of the finish.
Lazzat (FR), partnered by James Doyle and trained by Jerome Reynier, ran a consistent race to secure third place in 1:10.27. Settled just behind the leading group, Lazzat held position entering the straight and stayed on evenly, though unable to match the sharper acceleration shown by the front pair in the decisive stages.
From the break, the field established a strong and even tempo, with several runners vying for early prominence while others were held up for a late challenge. The pace ensured that the race developed into a true test of sprinting ability, with no runner afforded an easy advantage.
Approaching the final 400 metres, the leading group began to compress, setting up a competitive finish. Native Approach, travelling efficiently under Connor Beasley, found clear running room at a crucial stage and responded immediately when asked for an effort. His ability to sustain speed under pressure proved decisive.
Lugal’s finishing run added further depth to the contest, as he closed steadily on the leader in the final strides. However, Native Approach maintained a slight but definitive advantage at the line. Behind them, Lazzat continued on a consistent path, securing third without significant interference or challenge from the remainder of the field.
This running of the Al Quoz Sprint further reinforced Meydan’s status as a global racing venue capable of hosting elite international competition. The performance of Native Approach added another notable success for connections on a stage that regularly features some of the world’s best sprinters.
Attention on the card then shifted to Race 6, the Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Nakheel, scheduled for 18:55, another contest on the evening programme and one expected to continue the high standard set by the earlier races.
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