Hunter's Light Shines Brightly In Jebel Hatta

Hunter's Light continued his unbeaten start to the year with a very impressive victory in the Group One Jebel Hatta Sponsored By Emirates Airline on turf at Meydan, UAE, on Super Saturday, March 7.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained seven-year-old, dropping back to nine furlongs following a pair of turf wins over a mile and a quarter at Meydan, was soon settled in third on the inside rail behind Anaerobio and Sanshaawes.

He was switched out by James Doyle with three furlongs left and travelled strongly to take the lead passing the two-furlong pole.

Hunter's Light kicked clear of his 11 rivals and increased his advantage in the closing stages to score unchallenged by six and a half lengths over Trade Storm in 1m 47.97s on good ground.

It was a third Group One victory for the son of Dubawi, who won the Al Maktoum Challenge Round Three Sponsored By Emirates Airline on Tapeta at Meydan in March, 2013, and the Premio Roma GBI Racing on turf at Capannelle, Italy, in November of the previous year.

Saeed bin Suroor said: "Hunter's Light won really well and I love this horse. He is unbeaten in three runs this year and won a Group One tonight really well. It's unbelievable.

"He has improved with age and you have to look after him - you need to be very patient. Physically, Hunter's Light is better than ever this year and he shows some class in his work.

"He looked fantastic tonight and I couldn't see any other horse beating him.

"He will go for the Dubai Turf now on World Cup Night. Nine furlongs or a mile and a quarter is his best trip."

James Doyle commented: "Hunter's Light produced a proper Group One performance. His two previous runs were Group Three performances for me but he took me by surprise tonight.

"I was keen to get on the move when we turned in and just try and stretch Vercingetorix but my horse surprised me with the way he quickened. I thought that he was going to take some catching - he's got a good kick and he stays this trip well."

Godolphin has won the Jebel Hatta on five occasions, with Siege (2000), Mahfooth (2001), Divine Task (2002) and Sajjhaa (2013) adding to the success of Hunter's Light.