Keeneland, Kentucky: Grilla, ridden by Ricardo Chiappe, swept past undefeated 4-5 favourite Sand Witchh to score a thrilling win in the President of the UAE Cup for Purebred Arabian horses at Keeneland racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky.
Grilla finished one-and-half-lengths ahead of fav-ourite Sand Witchh in the 1 1/4-mile race, which carried a purse of $53,250.
The race, which featured ten Purebred Arabian horses, was held in Keeneland for the first time in the track's history.
Grilla finished in a time 2:15.42, which was a very respectable clocking for the breed.
Sand Witchh was the 4-5 favourite entering the race with a perfect record from nine starts. She finished 10 3/4 lengths ahead of the third finisher, Stoicc.
Sand Witchh is owned by Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This is the sixth victory in 11 starts for Grilla.
Several jockeys who normally ride Thoroughbreds had mounts in the race, including Calvin Borel, Miguel Mena, and Garrett Gomez.
Breeder, owner and trainer Bill Waldron said of Grilla: "I am ecstatic. I was very confident coming in. My horse was fit and ready, and Ricardo Chiappe did just what I asked.
Unbeaten run
"I knew Sand Witchh, who was unbeaten in nine previous races, would be tough, but I also knew we could beat her."
Grilla survived an objection by Sand Witchh jockey William Hollick. The stewards dismissed the claim of alleged stretch interference.
Prizes were distributed by Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, who attended the races along with several dignitaries.
