Irish-bred Raqiya made an impressive American debut at the Goldikova Stakes during the Breeders’ Cup Championships at Del Mar. Under the skilled jockey Lanfranco Dettori, the 3-year-old daughter of Blue Point led from start to finish, crossing the mile mark on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course in 1:36.09. Raqiya, owned by Shadwell Stable and trained by Owen Burrows, outperformed the competition and secured a well-deserved victory.
The victory marked Raqiya’s fifth win in only eight career races, earning her a first prize of $180,000 and boosting her total earnings to $319,581. This win was significant for both Dettori and Burrows, as it was their first stakes win at Del Mar. The duo worked together seamlessly, with Dettori providing a flawless ride and Burrows trusting his horse and jockey to execute the race strategy.
In a field of 10 older fillies and mares, Raqiya left behind Uncorked, a 30-1 longshot, who finished as the runner-up. The 2-1 favorite Sacred Wish came in third, with Mouffy securing the fourth spot. The fractions for the race were clocked at :23.04, :48.38, 1:13.41, 1:24.93, and the final time of 1:36.09.
Both Dettori and Burrows expressed their satisfaction with Raqiya’s performance. Dettori commended the horse’s speed and ability to maintain the lead throughout the race, while Burrows praised Dettori’s strategic approach and execution. The winning owner, Shadwell Stable of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, celebrated Raqiya’s victory and the success of their team.
This win at the Goldikova Stakes marks a significant milestone for Raqiya, Dettori, Burrows, and Shadwell Stable. The combination of talent, strategy, and teamwork culminated in a well-deserved victory for the Irish-bred horse in her American debut. As Raqiya continues her racing career, fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate her future performances on the track.