In the Feature Race of the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (In Honour Of Ian Balding) at Newbury on Saturday 19th September 2026, Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby’s Nabati, ridden by William Buick, claimed victory in the Group 3 contest.
The seven-year-old colt edged ahead of Jolivette by a narrow margin of one short head, with the race favourite, Arapaho Gold, finishing a further neck back in third place. The result served as a notable rebound for Nabati, who had previously been runner-up to Michael Dods’ Arapaho Gold in the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes over the same course and distance in July. Following that defeat, Arapaho Gold went on to win the Gimcrack Stakes.
Buick opted for a patient ride aboard the 7/4 chance, saving his filly’s strength before launching a late challenge to secure the win. Nabati had shown form earlier in the season with a success at Newmarket before finishing third in the Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster.
Meanwhile, the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes saw young jockey Jack Nicholls achieve the most significant win of his budding career aboard Karl Burke’s filly, Miss Yechance. The 20-year-old, who had previously partnered the speedy three-year-old to a handicap triumph at York’s Ebor meeting, made all the running to win by a neck at odds of 12/1.
Clive Cox’s Shagraan finished second, with stablemate Diligent Harry taking third from the 9/4 favourite, Starlust. The victory marked Nicholls’ first Group race win, a fitting milestone given his family’s sprinting pedigree, with his father Adrian and late grandfather Dandy having excelled over shorter distances.
I’m still processing the Mill Reef result. Did Arapaho Gold simply run out of steam, or was Nabati just too sharp this time?
Finally gets the better of Arapaho Gold after that Rose Bowl heartbreak. What a revenge ride by Buick.