RB Kingmaker (USA) once again proved his class by claiming the Purebred Arabian Group 1 USD$1.5 million Al Mneefah Cup Presented by Ministry of Culture, successfully defending the title he first won last year. For the Helal Nasser A Alalawi-owned 7-year-old, it was a return to the spotlight at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, where he had celebrated the most significant victory of his career just 12 months earlier.
After finishing third in his most recent outing in Abu Dhabi, RB Kingmaker demonstrated he was back to his peak form. Italian-born jockey Cristian Demuro guided him with poise, keeping the horse in third along the rail for most of the 2100m contest.
As the field turned for home, RB Kingmaker momentarily found himself boxed in. But once the gap appeared, he surged forward with authority. RB Mary Lylah (USA), partnered by Mickael Barzalona, tried to match him stride for stride, but after a brief tussle to the line, she had to settle for second. The winning margin was just half a length, with French challenger Lacaro Du Croate (FR) a further two and a quarter lengths back in third. The clock stopped at an impressive 2:21.556.
Race Quotes
Cristian Demuro, rider of RB Kingmaker, reflected on the victory: “He proved again that he is a champion. I knew that he has a lot of speed. Last time out it didn’t really work for him, but today with a good pace in front, he was ready. There was a little bit of traffic, but once the road opened, he burst clear. Winning a Purebred Arabian Group 1 race twice with the same horse is really special, and I’m grateful to the team for trusting me with him.”
Mickael Barzalona, RB Mary Lylah, 2nd: “She ran very well. It was a perfect race for her, but the winner today is probably a different class to be able to come past.”
Dylan Browne McMonagle, Lacaro Du Croate, 3rd: “She ran well. Two very good horses beat her. It’s hard to make up ground on this track, but she ran a super race.”
Ricardo Ferreira, Chagall Al Maury, 4th: “The horse improves race by race. I’m happy with fourth in a big race. He’s still young, and I hope he continues to develop.”
RB Kingmaker’s back-to-back triumphs solidify his reputation as one of the finest Purebred Arabians on the international stage, blending speed, stamina, and tactical brilliance. For fans of Arabian racing, his performance is a testament to careful preparation and innate talent.
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