Jungle Cat sweeps to victory in the G2 Al Fahidi Fort

Son of Iffraaj becomes the second Darley-sired Group winner of the day at Meydan

Jungle Cat (Iffraaj), now in his fifth racing season, opened his 2018 account in superb style on Thursday, 1 February when landing the G2 Al Fahidi Fort, run over seven furlongs at Meydan.

Always prominent under James Doyle, Jungle Cat was asked for his effort once entering the home straight and wore down the long-time leader Janoobi, quickening away close to home to win by three quarters of a length.

Jungle Cat was a smart performer right from the off, finishing third in the Coventry before taking second in both the G2 July Stakes and G2 Gimcrack as a juvenile. Last year he was fourth, beaten just over a length, in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint.

Iffraaj is now sire of 26 individual Group winners, eight of whom have won at the highest level. They are headed by dual Champion European Miler and four-time G1 winner Ribchester, who is standing his first season at stud this year.

Iffraaj stands at Dalham Hall Stud at a fee of £40,000, while Ribchester stands at Kildangan Stud at €30,000, both October 1, Special Live Foal.