Wigmore Hall closed with a furious late charge and prevailed in a three-horse photo to capture the $250,000 Jebel Hatta Sponsored by Emirates Airline (UAE-IIT) at Meydan Racecourse March 3.
The Jebel Hatta victory marked the first group win for Wigmore Hall, whose best showing in group or graded company prior to this was a second-place finish to Paddy O'Prado in the Secretariat Stakes (gr. IT) last August.
The son of High Chaparral benefited from a perfectly-timed ride by Jamie Spencer, who rallied the 4-year-old gelding down the center of the course to just get the better of Poet's Voice by a neck on the wire. Favored Presvis, who once again came from far back and had to weave through traffic, had to settle for third, just a nose further back.
The final time for the nine-furlong turf contest was unavailable.
Wigmore Hall is owned by Michael B. Hawtin and trained by Michael Bell, who told reporters after the race: “We thought he would definitely need this run, so we have to be very pleased. The horse has been here less than a week but settled in quickly.
“Obviously the (Dubai) Duty Free is the target before trips to Hong Kong and Singapore."
Wigmore Hall was bred in Ireland by Mr. and Mrs. K. Cullen. He is the first foal out of the winning Theatrical mare, Love And Laughter.