The Brendan Walsh-trained Extravagant Kid (USA) became the first American-trained winner of the $1 million Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored by Azizi Developments at Meydan on Saturday when he burst through the ranks to beat the Godolphin filly Final Song by half a length, followed in third place by Acklam Express.
The field had initially split into three groups and Ryan Moore produced an inspired ride when he took the son of Kiss The Kid towards the stands’ side from where he launched his attack to take the lead in the final 50m.
US-trained Extravagant Kid timed it to perfection in the Al Quoz Sprint (Pic – DRC & Erika Rasmussen)
The 8-year-old Extravagant Kid not only created history for the USA by winning the race in 01:09:26 but also produced a personal best, as he had been placed in Graded races before but had never actually won one.
“What an unbelievable race,” said his owner David A Ross. “His trainer Brendan Walsh had a good feeling about him, he came into the race well, Brendan had him prepped well. He really liked the venue here and we thought we would take advantage. As an 8-year-old, what about that?”
Irish-born Brendan Walsh, a former assistant to Godolphin who is based in the United States, has a perfect record at Meydan where he has now won 2 races from 2 starts after the victory of Plus Que Parfait in the 2019 UAE Derby.
He said: “No credit must go to me, I just put the saddle on. My lad here looked after him and he was very pleased with him.”
And Ryan Moore, who recorded his first success in this 1200m sprint, commented: “It was a very messy race. The speed looked like it was going to be stands’ side but we had to make a decision. Space Blues and Khaadem were going, they were the best horses and gave me a bit of toe. The horse ran a super race at Keeneland (in the Breeders’ Cup). He is a very talented horse. You’ll have to watch out for Brendan when he comes back here!”
