North America takes G2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 for the second straight year

Dubawi’s UAE flagbearer dominates at Meydan yet again

Having made the perfect start to his 2019 campaign four weeks ago with a dominant win the Al Maktoum Challenge R1, North America (Dubawi) took the second leg of the challenge in similar fashion when winning the nine-and-a-half-furlong contest by just over two lengths on Thursday, 7 February.

Bounding out of the stalls, North America was soon in front under Richard Mullen and once asked to quicken upon entering the home straight, put the race to bed in a matter of strides as he eased clear of the field. New Trails quickened well during the closing stages to take second, but the result was never in doubt as North America crossed the line two and a quarter lengths in front.

He is now likely to bid for a repeat victory in the third leg of the challenge, a G1 contest, on Super Saturday, 9 March.

North America was bred by Qatar Bloodstock and is a son of the G1-placed mare Northern Mischief, a half-sister to Champion US performer Gourmet Girl.

Dubawi, who turned 17 today, is currently the world’s leading stallion and has sired 38 G1 winners to date. Last year he became the first UK-based stallion ever to sire 100 individual Group winners.

Dubawi stands at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket at a fee of £250,000, Oct 1, SLF. He stands alongside his G1-winning sons Night Of Thunder and Postponed (who both stand at £15,000, Oct 1, SLF).