Key Points
- Lazzat, the European Group 1 winner, finished second by a neck in the $2 million 1351 Turf Sprint at the Saudi Cup.
- Reef Runner, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., caught Lazzat in the final strides to secure victory at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
- Following the narrow defeat on February 14, Lazzat is now targeted for Dubai World Cup night at Meydan Racecourse.
- The Dubai World Cup is scheduled for March 28, 2026, featuring US$30.5 million in prize money across top Group races.
Wirral (Liverpool Standard) February 17, 2026 – Lazzat, a proven European Group 1 winner, suffered a heartbreaking neck defeat in the $2 million 1351 Turf Sprint on the Saudi Cup undercard before connections confirmed plans for Dubai World Cup night.
The race unfolded at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Saturday, February 14, where Reef Runner, trained by David Fawkes for owners Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, rallied late under Irad Ortiz Jr. to edge Lazzat in the 1,351-metre turf event on good/firm ground.
What Happened in Lazzat’s Saudi Cup Race?
Lazzat circled challengers Shin Forever and Zio Jo to lead out of the turn, holding a narrow advantage into the stretch as reported by the Daily Racing Form and FTBOA. Reef Runner tracked closely from the outside before drawing even with 200 metres remaining and prevailing by a neck in 1:18.24, with Comanche Brave third, three-quarters of a length further back.
As reported by Irad Ortiz Jr. via FTBOA,
“I thought Irad did a great job. He had him in a perfect position the whole time. He told me where he was going to be sitting and that is where he was,”
trainer David Fawkes stated post-race.
Why is Lazzat Targeting Dubai World Cup Night?
According to reporting from the Wirral Globe and aligned coverage in Thoroughbred Daily News, Lazzat’s team has swiftly pivoted to Dubai World Cup night at Meydan Racecourse following the tight loss in Riyadh. The event, headlined by the US$30.5 million Dubai World Cup card on March 28, 2026, offers prime opportunities in Group races on turf and dirt.
Which Dubai Races Suit Lazzat’s Profile?
The Dubai Racing Club confirms Meydan as host to six Group 1 and three Group 2 contests, with recent previews highlighting turf sprints akin to Lazzat’s Saudi test. Connections eye a suitable slot to build on the colt’s European elite form and recent competitiveness against top Middle East fields.
What Are the Next Steps for Lazzat?
With six weeks until Dubai World Cup night, Lazzat’s preparation will focus on recovery and sharpening for Meydan’s demanding surface, as per standard post-Saudi transitions noted in BloodHorse coverage of similar raiders. Success could position the horse for further global targets in a stacked spring campaign.
Reporting from multiple outlets underscores Lazzat’s resilience, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch opportunity on the world’s richest race day.
