Mawj, unbeaten in two starts at Meydan Racecourse during the Dubai World Cup Carnival, elevated her career to the next level by winning the G1 Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Trained by Godolphin handler Saeed Bin Suroor, Mawj enjoyed a profitable winter in Dubai, landing the Jumeirah Fillies’ Classic in January (pictured), over 1400metres, followed by the Jumeirah Fillies’ Guineas, over a mile, in February. The daughter of Exceed And Excel returned to Newmarket from the UAE just two weeks before her Newmarket win on May 7th.

Ridden by Oisin Murphy, Mawj faced a tough field in the one mile Classic race for three-year-old fillies, with Group 1 winners Tahiyra and Meditate in opposition, as well as Fairy Cross and Dream Of Love, both beaten by Mawj at Meydan.

It was Tahiyra who laid down the toughest challenge, battling with Mawj during the final furlong and only giving way as the line approached; the verdict going to the Godolphin filly by half a length.

“There is nothing better; to win it is unbelievable,” said Murphy, who also combined with Bin Suroor for Group 1 success with Benbatl in the 2018 Dubai Turf. “Thank you to the trainer and his staff, they did all the hard work."

Bin Suroor, winning his 13th British Classic and 195th global Group or Grade 1, added: "It's great to come and win the Guineas, it's a good result for us.

“She's a tough filly and she's a nice filly over this trip, although if you look at her size and her pedigree it’s all speed. She’s a Group 2 winner here and she’s unbeaten in Dubai. I spoke to Sheikh Mohammed [Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai] before we ran her a mile in Dubai and she won it well. The Irish 1,000 Guineas could be an option, but we will talk to Sheikh Mohammed and make a decision after a week.”

Mawj’s victory completed a good weekend for Dubai World Cup Carnival graduates as Godolphin also struck in New York with Ottoman Fleet, who won the G2 Fort Marcy Stakes at Belmont Park for Charlie Appleby and Richard Mullen. The gelding was previously third on all three runs at Meydan Racecourse this season, including the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes.

Later on, Derma Sotogake, the impressive winner of the G2 UAE Derby, ran a creditable sixth in the G1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Dubai Racing Club

Image Godolphin