Dubai: Native Approach sprang something of a surprise - albeit a hugely popular one for the UAE-based combination of trainer Ahmad bin Harmash and Jockey Connor Beasley - in running down Japanese challenger Lugal inside the final 200 metres. Native Approach won the $1,500,000 Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint, sponsored by AZIZI Developments, at the 30th Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.
According to Emirates News Agency, Native Approach was rated 97 before his previous start, but a win over several of today's rivals in the G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint saw him re-rated at 109. The ex-Godolphin inmate took another step forward here, dispatching a high-quality international field.
For Beasley, the link-up with Bin Harmash has been a significant boost to his career, with Native Approach following on from Dark Saffron's G1 Golden Shaheen victory in 2025. Beasley remarked on his association with Bin Harmash, saying, 'This is the eighth season. I came over as a second jockey to him and everything fell into place, right place, right time.'
'He's been a big supporter and put plenty of trust in me. It just shows, when a team clicks, it goes through to the horses too,' Beasley added, reflecting on the successful partnership and their recent triumph.
