Measured Time breaks course record in title defence

Already a Grade 1 winner of the Manhattan Stakes in the U.S. and the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta over this course earlier this year, Godolphin homebred Measured Time (Frankel) set a new course record when defending his title in the Gr.2 Al Rashidiya at Meydan on Friday 20th December.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 21st December 2024, by Heather Anderson:

Making his first start since a runner-up effort in the Gr.1 Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga in August, the Charlie Appleby trainee zipped straight to the head of affairs under William Buick. Always going easily, the colt's speed was deceptive, and he sailed across the line seven lengths to the good of Gr.3 Killavullan Stakes winner and Gr.1 Irish 2000 Guineas second Cairo in a new course record of 1:45.11 for the 1800 metres over good turf. The four-year-old broke the record set by Just A Way in the 2014 Gr.1 Dubai Duty Free of 1:45.52. Royal Dubai was third, another two lengths in arrears.

"It felt a little bit too good," said Buick after taking his third Al Rashidiya. "He's super competitive and I was happy to lead with him, but we didn't need to put in that big a performance to win. But that's what you get with him; he's a high energy, exuberant horse." He added: The jockey added: "He's proved himself at the top level both here and in America - he's a class horse and hopefully there's some improvement to come from that."