KINGSTON, Jamaica — Seven-year-old chestnut mare Desert of Malibu reaffirmed her status as one of the country's premier thoroughbreds in training, digging deep to notch her 13th career victory in a thrilling Open Allowance feature over six furlongs on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Now sporting a stellar record of 13 wins from 23 lifetime starts, the veteran mare’s determined performance proved that despite her age and ongoing health management, her class remains undeniable.
The six-furlong contest for three-year-olds and up unfolded at a blistering pace from the break. California Crown, guided by jockey Tevin Foster, tore out of the gates to establish an aggressive front-running tempo, throwing down sharp fractions of 22.3 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 46.0 seconds for the half-mile split.
Red-hot apprentice rider Tajay Suckoo exercised calm composure aboard Desert of Malibu, pinning his mount to the inside rails and saving valuable ground.
As the field straightened into the home stretch, California Crown attempted to pull away along the inside rail. However, with a furlong and a half remaining, Suckoo expertly angled Desert of Malibu into the clear through the middle of the track. California Crown offered a courageous fight, but Desert of Malibu’s relentless late surge proved too much to resist. She surged ahead to cross the wire in a sharp 1:10.2, leaving California Crown in second and Don Kwesi back in third.
Speaking after the victory, trainer Gary Subratie reflected on both the mare's delicate physical condition and the tactically sound ride provided by her young jockey.
"This horse has continuous issues which require a lot of care and attention. At her healthiest, she can compete against the best available," Subratie noted. "I was particularly pleased with the young apprentice in the saddle. He delivered a really good ride."
Subratie also shed light on why the seven-year-old mare remains actively racing rather than enjoying retirement in the breeding shed:
"When she came to Jamaica, she was scheduled to go to stud, but after several attempts, Desert of Malibu did not hold," Subratie clarified. "It was after that that the decision was taken to race her."
