5 January 2023, Dubai, UAE ~ RB Rich Lyke Me (MAJD AL ARAB (GB) x Rich Frynd (US) by TH Richie (US) won the 1600m Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 at Meydan for the second year in a row by almost 7 lengths.
Despite facing a strong field of 16, jockey De Vries never had a moment’s concern on the seven-year-old who was quickly into the lead despite his wide draw in 11. Turning into the straight well in command, he broke the Arabians’ track record while beating Barakka by almost seven lengths for trainer Fawzi Nass and Victorious.
His time of 1:44.72 beats the track record for 1,600 meters set by AF Mathmoon in the same race in 2017.
“It’s good to have him back in his old form,” said De Vries. “I think on this ground he can do a mile and a quarter. The pressure was on early, they wanted to take him on, but he’s got that natural speed that gets him out of trouble.”
Full Results: