Expensive Darain Leaves Gosden For America

The very expensive purchase for Qatar Racing, Darain, has left John Gosden and will now race over in America under trainer Brad Cox after the most expensive yearling of 2018 has not fired in England.

A full brother to multiple Group One winner Too Darn Hot, Darain was bought for 3.5 million guineas at Tattersalls back in 2018, the three year old has been seen four times in his career and not hit the heights his price tag suggested he would.

The son of Dubawi made his first start for Gosden at Newbury and novice event over 1m2f with ease and backed that up at Newmarket in a very similar event and looked to be heading for big things.

On his third start the colt was sent to York over 1m4f for the Group Two Great Voltigeur Stakes and he was totally outclassed, finishing fifth of eight and on his final start at Newmarket in the Group Three Darley Stakes he was no better, finishing seventh of 12.

Brad Cox will now take ownership of the three year old and after the handler had four winners at this month's Breeders' Cup at Keeneland, he has become a hot commodity to have horses with.

(Credit Racing Post) David Redvers, racing manager to Qatar Racing, said: "Sheikh Fahad and John Gosden decided the US style of racing may suit Darain a bit better than over here and he's joined Brad Cox who is based at Keeneland.

"We've had horses with Brad for a number of years and enjoyed our biggest win together when Shedaresthedevil won the Kentucky Oaks in the summer. Brad had a remarkable Breeders' Cup, winning four races including the Distaff with Monomoy Girl."

He added: "I'd think Darain would have the option of racing on turf or dirt as his sire has a decent record with runners on the latter. The US operation is something Sheikh Fahad is keen on and hopefully the horse can prosper over there."