British-based Qatari rider secures biggest win of his career aboard Wathnan runner in Canadian International

The extraordinary rise of jockey Faleh Bughenaim reached a new peak at Woodbine on Saturday as the Qatari-born rider secured a first Grade 1 success with a daring front-running ride aboard Silawi in the Canadian International. 

It had already been a standout year for Bughenaim, 35, who only partnered his first British thoroughbred winner aboard Solar Aclaim at Goodwood last month after relocating to Newmarket in his new role for Wathnan Racing's trainer Hamad Al Jehani.

• Faleh Bughenaim rides 'special' first winner in Britain on Solar Aclaim for Wathnan Racing 

• 'The best jockey in Qatar' set for British debut under rules at Epsom on Friday 

The rider made his name on the Arab and endurance circuit in the Middle East but took his career to a new peak on a baking-hot day in Toronto after receiving a last-minute leg-up to partner Silawi, with first-choice rider Danny Tudhope unable to make the trip.

Faleh Bughenaim wins the Canadian International on SilawiCredit: Mike Campbell/NurPhoto (Getty Images)

The five-year-old was sent off a 105-10 chance and was largely dismissed as a pacemaker for his stablemate and Wathnan first string Haunted Dream, who had impressed when landing the Singspiel Stakes at the track last month. 

While Bughenaim sent Silawi into an early lead, it was not a position he was willing to give up lightly and after building up a considerable advantage over the field into the far turn, the pair fought gallantly to hold off the fast-finishing Tawny Port by a nose.

"Danny couldn't get the flight and yesterday Hamad told me I could ride Silawi," the jockey said. "It's great to ride a nice horse for Wathnan Racing and Hamad. We knew he had the ability to win a Graded race. I rode him in his last piece of work at home in Newmarket and he showed some ability. 

"It was a bit difficult going from a Group 3 race to a Grade 1, but Hamad believed in the horse and I was really happy. We studied the race and track, and we did a good job. We led the race and each furlong we went faster. I don't know if you could hear me, but I was shouting the whole way!"

Faleh Bughenaim (left): "I don't know if you could hear me, but I was shouting the whole way!"Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Bughenaim, who finished fourth aboard The Strikin Viking in the Nearctic Stakes earlier on in the card, has swiftly become a key member of Wathnan Racing's burgeoning team and pulled off the audacious ride having partnered Silawi in a local Group 2 in Doha last March. 

"I told Hamad he's improved," he said. "I've ridden him in Qatar in the mornings and he feels different. He's showing better ability and we're very happy to win a Grade 1 race. My thanks go to Hamad and Wathnan Racing for giving me the chance to ride in these international races.

"I've ridden local Grade 1 contests in the Middle East, but this feels different to win a real Grade 1 race. I try to be good and work each day to build myself up, but in this sport you have to fight to be good – every day you learn something."

Faleh Bughenaim: "I've ridden local Grade 1 contests in the Middle East, but this feels different to win a real Grade 1 race."Credit: Mike Campbell/NurPhoto (Getty Images)

Nations Pride was sent off the even-money favourite to follow up his victory in the race when it was last run in 2023, but Godolphin's four-time Grade 1 winner could not accelerate in the home straight and finished third under Billy Loughnane.

This time the race belonged to another new kid on the block. When asked how he had found riding in Canada, Bughenaim said: "Good, not too cold," before adding with a laugh, "Yeah, now I like it."

It likes you back, Faleh.

Read these next:

Another Alpinista? Consent powers home to bag Sir Mark Prescott more Group 1 glory at Longchamp and tee up potential Arc bid 

'She's so tough' - Fallen Angel bags third successive Group 1 to set up possible QEII clash with Field Of Gold 

'I was on the floor as he crossed the line' - ecstasy for George Scott at first Group 1 winner as brave second Coltrane retired 

Racing Post+ Ultimate subscribers can get a fantastic mix of news, tips, comment and insight sent straight to their inbox every day, from Chris Cook's award-winning morning newsletter The Front Runner every weekday at 7.30am to different weekly emails from the likes of Tom Segal, Paul Kealy and Lee Mottershead every evening at 6pm every evening as part of The Ultimate Daily. Head here now