Al Thakhira back to form at Ascot

Daughter of Dubawi wins the Listed October Stakes

G2-winning juvenile Al Thakhira (Dubawi) gained her first victory of the season in a highly-tried campaign in the Listed October Stakes over Ascot's straight seven furlongs. Held up the near the rear early, her jockey Martin Harley had to wait for the gaps to appear in the final few furlongs, but once they did, she burst through the gap to record a very cosy three-quarter length triumph with Interception (Raven's Pass) gaining her first Black Type back in third.

Bred by Qatar Bloodstock Ltd, Al Thakhira is the first foal of the Green Desert mare Dahama, who herself is a half-sister to Firemaid, dam of another Group performer by Dubawi in Shamal Wind.

Al Thakhira becomes Dubawi's 29th Stakes winner of the season, a total that is 13 clear of his nearest British stallion rival. Amongst the 29 are five top-level victors including 2,000 Guineas hero Night Of Thunder, top sprinter Lucky Nine and recent Canadian winner Sheikhzayedroad.