Newmarket trainer Alice Haynes will aim to advance her international record this summer with Cairo, who is set to compete in the Aug. 9 Arlington Million Stakes (G1T) at Colonial Downs and the $2 million Mint Millions Stakes (G3T) Sept. 6 at Kentucky Downs for Kuwaiti owner Refai Alghraiban.
Haynes, who started training in 2021, already has won group or listed races in Britain, France, Ireland, and Italy. She has also hit the crossbar in the UAE, with Cairo and Mr. Professor both finishing second at the Dubai Racing Carnival.
This will be the second runner in the States for the young trainer, who saddled Lady Hollywood (GB) at the Breeders' Cup in 2022. The filly finished fifth at Keeneland in the Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1).
Alghraiban purchased Cairo privately from the Coolmore partners and the horse joined the Newmarket yard in April 2024. The 5-year-old raced at the Dubai Racing Carnival for Haynes and Alghraiban earlier this year, finishing second at group level twice. He was last seen at Royal Ascot when he finished third in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1).
Haynes talked to Great British Racing International about Cairo and his effort at Ascot:
"I feel the horse has taken a massive step forward this year. He spent some time in quarantine in Dubai last year before joining us and that probably shook him a bit. His confidence seems up and he is versatile in the way he is ridden. He can sit prominently and can come from behind like he did at Ascot.
"His race at Royal Ascot was massive. It was a thrill for the team at home and the owner (Alghraiban), who took a punt in buying the horse and he is now getting the reward from it. He has been placed at Royal Ascot, the Qatar Goodwood Festival, the Dubai Racing Carnival, and now we go to the States."
On the decision to target the grade 1 Arlington Million, the trainer said:
"The trip was first discussed before Royal Ascot and then the team from Colonial Downs came to meet the owner in the paddock at Ascot and the deal was sealed. Obviously, he needed to run well and he did. America should suit him as a fast track and a turn is what he likes.
"He flies mid-week and seems in really good order. I am very pleased with his form. He is a bit of a globetrotter and travels well so that's good. I think he will run a great race."
Cairo's regular work rider Abel O'Gorman added:
"He's a gentleman and at the same time he likes to play around, but he never means any harm. He always does what you ask him at home but would never do more than that until he gets to the track.
"He has been working well since Royal Ascot and seems happy. He loves a bit of sun on his back so he has been well in himself lately and this should also be the case in America."
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
