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From Kazakhstan to the International Stage

Mark Smith - Sunday January 28

This could be the rags-to-riches story to top them all: a colt that breaks his maiden in a three-horse race at Kazakhstan on a track that would have Birdsville regulars shaking their heads captures the US$1,000,000 Group 1 feature at Meydan on Friday.

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The 4-year-old California Chrome entire Kabirkhan booked his spot in the $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 30 following a four and three-quarter length romp in the Al Maktoum Challenge.

Kabirkhan did his early racing in Kazakhstan and Russia, winning eight of nine starts and finishing second in the Russian Derby.

Break out the champagne (image Dubai Racing Club)

He has advanced his record to ten wins from 11 starts while claiming the honour of being the first Northern Hemisphere SW for Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome. The charismatic chestnut also enjoyed success in Dubai, winning the Dubai World Cup at five after finishing second to Prince Bishop the previous year.

A 12,000 Keeneland September yearling, Kabirkhan is out of the stakes-winning Castledale (Ire) mare Little Emily.  

California Chrome now stands at Arrow Stud in Japan. 

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