Gallant Blade First Dubai Winner for Maximum Security
It was a Dubai winner for Maximum Security on Saturday when Gallant Blade (2c Maximum Security x Regal Rags, by Union Rags) broke his maiden at Jebel Ali.
The seven-furlong dirt race saw the flashy Gallant Blade break strongly and go to the lead with a tightly packed group of three behind him. Gallant Blade never opened up a multi-length lead, and was challenged even more with three furlongs left to run when the colt had to kick into gear.
It was soon after that he had to work hard to keep his head in front for the final quarter when challenged by another runner. He was able to win by a head in the end for trainer Salem bin Ghadayer and owner Shiekh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
A $110,000 weanling purchase, Gallant Blade was purchased by Clay Scherer for his connections at this year’s OBS Spring 2-Year-Old Sale for $230,000 this year.
Gallant Blade is the first runner out of Regal Rags, a half-sister to Japan’s 2023 Champion Dirt Horse Lemon Pop. The colt’s family also includes champion sire and Group I winner Danehill and Grade II winner Eagle Eyed among many others.
This is the 17th worldwide winner for Maximum Security, who has sired winners in eight different countries in 2024.