The Group 1 USD$2m Obaiyah Arabian Classic delivered a stirring spectacle at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, and the Obaiyah Arabian Classic result will be remembered as another defining chapter in the remarkable career of First Classs (USA). Deborah Mihaloff’s globetrotting star, now nine, summoned all his experience and grit to capture yet another elite prize on an unforgettable evening.
Trained in the UAE by multiple champion handler Doug Watson, First Classs overcame a slightly hesitant break before swiftly finding his rhythm. Within strides, he had manoeuvred into a stalking position behind the early leaders, Saudi Arabian Group 1 winner Nadem Al Molwk Al Khalediah (KSA) and Omani challenger Madhmoon (OMN), both intent on dictating the tempo.
Under a cool and calculated ride from Connor Beasley, the veteran gelding made his decisive move approaching the final 500 metres. Switching to the inside — a split-second decision that proved pivotal — he threaded between rivals on the home turn. With 250 metres left, he collared Nadem Al Molwk Al Khalediah and gradually pulled clear, stretching his advantage to three and a half lengths at the line.
The Obaiyah Arabian Classic result confirmed Vizhir (FR) as the late-finishing runner-up, finishing a length ahead of Nadem Al Molwk Al Khalediah in third. It was a performance shaped by patience, positioning and the unwavering determination that has become First Classs’ hallmark.
A Champion’s Resume Grows – Obaiyah Arabian Classic Result in Context
This latest triumph enhances an already glittering record. First Classs has now secured five Group 1 victories and added to a collection that includes the 2022 Al Mneefah Cup during the Saudi Cup meeting, the 2022 Jewel Crown in Abu Dhabi, and dual victories in the Dubai Kahayla Classic in 2022 and 2025. Few Purebred Arabians in recent years have matched his consistency at the highest level.
Beasley was quick to acknowledge the team effort behind the success. “A big credit goes to Doug Watson and his team and a massive thank you to owner Deborah, a phenomenal lady,” he said. “He’s getting a bit long in the tooth nowadays but he’s still enthusiastic. He was under pressure a long way out but he kept finding. He’s very determined and pulled it out when I needed him.”
For Watson, the victory carried personal significance. “Wow, that was some race and one great horse,” he reflected. “Prize money-wise, this was the biggest win of my career and equal in importance to when we went one-two-three in the Godolphin Mile. He looked like he was getting back to his best three weeks ago, and after that run his coat came right and he was perfect.”
Behind the principals, there were other commendable efforts. Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte reported satisfaction with Moshrif’s fourth-place finish, while Ricardo Ferreira described Mutwakel Alkhalediah’s sixth as a solid effort in a searching contest.
Yet the evening belonged to First Classs. The Obaiyah Arabian Classic result once again underlined his class, resilience and enduring appetite for competition — qualities that ensure his name will remain etched among the modern greats of Arabian racing.
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