Second G1 victory for Hunter’s Light

Hunter’s Light (Dubawi), who made a sensational start to 2013 when running out the three-and-a-quarter-length winner of the Maktoum Challenge R2 last month, cemented his position as one of the favourites for the Dubai World Cup on Super Saturday at Meydan when storming home to take the G1 Maktoum Challenge R3.

Breaking well from the gate, the five-year-old was settled just off the pace under Silvestre de Sousa and once asked to quicken as the field entered the home straight, soon took the lead and from then on, the result never looked in doubt as he stormed home to win easily. His victory provided Godolphin with their 200th G1 win.

Also winner of last year’s G1 Premio Roma, Hunter’s Light will now aim to become the second consecutive winner of the Dubai World Cup by Dubawi.

Bred by Darley, he is out of the winning Barathea mare Portmanteau, whose own dam Dayanata is a full sister to Darshaan. Portmanteau has a two-year-old full sister to Hunter’s Light and is due to return to Dubawi this year.

Dubawi sired no fewer than ten G1 horses and 41 Stakes performers in 2012, reconfirming his position as one of Europe’s leading sires. He stands at Dalham Hall Stud at a fee of £75,000 October 1st SLF.