From barrier one, Christophe Soumillon settled Mubtaahij in the perfect position on the rail, behind leaders Tap That (JPN) and Golden Barows (USA). Soumillon was quite content to lope along, while the Japanese pair reeled off speedy fractions.

Mubtaahij and Jockey Soumillon (Liesl King)

With 300m left to go Soumillon decide it was time to get going and bringing the Dubawi colt around the leading pair, he asked Mubtaahij to step up a gear. The effect was instantaneous as the colt powered away under a hands and heels ride. With the field soon going up and down, Soumillon had time to look over his shoulder at the ever-increasing gap, before easing Mubtaahij down and starting his celebrations.

The winning margin was a staggering eight lengths with Maftool under Paul Hanagan flying up late for second, beating a tiring Golden Barows into third, a further three quarter lengths back. The winning time was 1.58.35 on Meydan’s new dirt surface. Soumillion was very impressed with the acceleration of the colt. “I was going very easily and as soon as I pressed the button it was all over. In the end, I kept some energy for the future, especially if he goes to the Kentucky Derby.”

Even Mike de Kock who has now won this race six times, called Mubtaahij his best winner to date. “He was a length off the pace but he had the run of the race and he quickened magnificently. This performance blew me away. This is the best UAE Derby victory for us. It is the first time I have won it with a Northern Hemisphere horse.” Mubtaahij, an Arqana August Yearling Sale purchase by Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock, was recording his fourth victory from six starts, earning a 100 points towards the famed Run for the Roses in the process. This is enough to ensure him a starting position come the first Saturday in May.

“The Kentucky Derby? It’s not even a question. We are going. The nice thing about this is what it has opened up for us. This horse has given us the opportunity to run in the Kentucky Derby”, added a delighted De Kock. De Kock further explained that Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, as a global owner, was delighted with the opportunity to have a horse in the Kentucky Derby. “ Sheikh Mohammed is up for anything I am up for. He is a progressive thinker. If it’s on, he will be right behind it.”