Arabian Crown (FR) delivered a commanding performance in the Arabian Crown Canadian International at Woodbine on Saturday, October 3, 2026, securing his first Grade 1 victory in the 86th running of the $750,000 Canadian International (G1T). The five-year-old gelding powered clear in the closing stages to defeat Tawny Port by 3¾ lengths over 1½ miles on the E.P. Taylor turf course.
Tomasello, who had arrived at the race after winning the Singspiel Stakes (G3T), moved quickly to the front and established the early pace. Arabian Crown settled comfortably in second as the field entered the first turn, while Ancient Egypt (IRE) and Purview (GB) followed in third and fourth respectively.
Tomasello reached the opening quarter-mile in 24.44 seconds on good going and maintained a one-length advantage through the half-mile in 50.97 seconds. Arabian Crown remained within striking distance, with Jamie Spencer keeping the Godolphin representative settled behind the leader.
The field reached three-quarters of a mile in 1:17.10, with Arabian Crown continuing to travel smoothly. Spencer then asked the son of Dubawi to improve, and the response came swiftly as the gelding produced a sharp turn of foot approaching the final turn.
Arabian Crown moved past Tomasello and took control of the contest, quickly establishing daylight over his six rivals. Spencer then guided him towards the grandstand side of the turf course, a deliberate decision based on the ground he had assessed earlier in the day.
The move allowed Arabian Crown to race over less-used ground, and the gelding continued to maintain his momentum through the straight. He held a two-length advantage at Robert Geller’s stretch call before extending his lead to finish 3¾ lengths clear in a winning time of 2:30.67.
Tawny Port secured second place by a nose, while Purview (GB) finished third and Ancient Egypt (IRE) took fourth.
Arabian Crown Canadian International Victory Marked a First Grade 1 Success
The Arabian Crown Canadian International victory gave Jamie Spencer his first success in the prestigious Woodbine contest. It also marked Godolphin’s record fifth victory in the Canadian International and provided trainer Charlie Appleby with his third triumph in the race, matching the existing record.
Spencer had described the early running as less favourable than planned but adapted by settling Arabian Crown behind Tomasello. The jockey then made his move from around the half-mile pole, with the gelding travelling strongly before producing his decisive acceleration.
The result followed another notable victory for Arabian Crown at Leopardstown. He had won the Kilternan Stakes (G3T) on September 12 by 2¼ lengths, recording his third Group success. Earlier in July, he had finished second to Rebel’s Romance in the Group 2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes.
Assistant trainer Nikki Jones also praised Arabian Crown’s preparation and performance. The gelding had trained well since arriving at Woodbine and had continued to show improvement during the season.
The Canadian International had represented Arabian Crown’s first appearance in North America. Bred by G. B. Partnership, the Dubawi gelding improved his record to seven wins, one second and two thirds from 14 career starts.
The victory added to Godolphin’s strong 2026 campaign at Woodbine. The operation had also captured the Woodbine Mile (G1T) for a second consecutive year with Notable Speech (GB) on September 12.
Godolphin and Appleby had previously combined for Canadian International victories in 2021 and 2023. Walton Street (GB) had won the 2021 renewal by 5¾ lengths under Frankie Dettori, while Nations Pride (IRE) had secured the 2023 edition by 2¼ lengths with William Buick aboard. Nations Pride had finished third in the previous year’s renewal behind Silawi (IRE).
The Arabian Crown Canadian International ended with Arabian Crown (FR) securing his first Grade 1 victory at Woodbine, defeating Tawny Port by 3¾ lengths in 2:30.67.
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