First Class overpowers Tilal Al Khalediah to land second Kahayla Classic title

Ridden by Connor Beasley, First Class gamely captures opener on Dubai World Cup card

Saving ground on the inside, the grey got the better of the defending champion / DRC

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (From a Turf Diario special correspondent).— In a performance full of grit and heart, First Classs once again etched his name into the history books of the Dubai Kahayla Classic (G1, 2000m, dirt, US$1,000,000), the world’s premier race for Purebred Arabians. The 8-year-old grey became the first horse ever to regain his crown in the event, having won it back in 2022 under different silks and connections.

Now trained by Doug Watson and ridden by Connor Beasley, First Classs displayed a tremendous competitive spirit to fend off a relentless challenge from defending champion Tilal Al Khalediah (Laith Al Khalediah), the odds-on favorite. Drawn wide in gate 14 and forced to race wide into the first turn, Beasley expertly angled his mount into a stalking position just off the leaders, always keeping himself within striking range.

As Tariq (AF Albahar) began to fold at the top of the stretch, First Classs surged with intent, hitting the front 400 meters from home and refusing to yield as Tilal Al Khalediah loomed with every stride. But the grey wouldn’t be denied, repelling every attempt from his rival to become a two-time winner of the race. Mubeed (Mahabb) and Ray Dawsonfinished a distant third.

“All the credit to Doug and his team,” said Beasley. “This was only my third time riding him, but he’d already given me a great win in Abu Dhabi and was coming off a solid effort in the Emirates Championship. He broke well, traveled perfectly, and when the race fell apart in front of us, he gave me everything. He was brave—he deserved this. It caps off a fantastic season for me in Dubai. You don’t get to ride horses like this back home, so it’s very special.”

A visibly emotional Watson added: “This is unbelievable. I’m thrilled for Deborah Mihaloff (the owner), for the team, for the horse. To see him come back like this after a tough year is just amazing. He’s as tough as they come, with a huge heart, and the key was keeping him fresh all season. His condition, his attitude, his coat—everything came together. It’s our first win with an Arabian on the big night, and after finishing second so many times, it’s even sweeter.”

“I’ve been here 32 years. I’ve been to every Dubai World Cup—at the first one, I was working as an ambulance driver. And now, we’re winning races. It’s crazy. First Classs is a true racehorse—he’s now won four million-dollar races. That says it all about his class and consistency.”