Outbox wins the HH The Amir Trophy for Watson and Doyle

Archie Watson registered one of the biggest successes of his career to date when Hollie Doyle steered Outbox (FRANKEL) to victory in the HH The Amir Trophy, a local Gr.1 at Doha yesterday.

The seven-year-old son of FRANKEL was sent forward to race on the heels of the leader Qatari Gold (Lemon Drop KId), who set a good gallop. The pace did not let up much and Outbox kicked for home on the turn into the straight. He was challenged hard by Mutabahi (French Fifteen), but dug in gamely to win by half a length. Fox Tal (Sea The Stars) was keen throughout the race, but finished well to take third, a length and a half behind the runner-up.
Speaking to GBRI after the win yesterday, Watson commented: “It was an absolutely incredible result in Qatar, with Outbox winning such a valuable race. Hollie gave him a fantastically well judged ride. “I am delighted for Hambleton Racing, which is such a great supporter of the yard and is having its second big winner in Qatar after Maystar won the Al Rayyan Stakes for us in 2019.

“Well done to my team for their hard work, especially my assistant Stephanie Joannides and Outbox’s regular rider Lauren Smith, who have both travelled him to Doha. Thanks must also go the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club for all of their assistance and organisation with travelling the international runners.” Unraced at two, Outbox won his first three starts at three and was second in the Listed Prix La Moskowa on his four-year-old debut. He ended that season with a third-place finish in the Listed Chester Stakes before switching from Simon Crisford’s stable to Archie Watson’s. He returned from a long break last January and has been busy since, winning four times, including the Listed Fred Archer Stakes. Bred by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, he is out of the Gr.2 Lancashire Oaks winner Emirates Queen (Street Cry), a half-sister to triple Gr.1 winner and leading sire Dubawi.

Taken from European Bloodstock news, Sunday 20th February 2022