Desert of Malibu, a four-year-old American-bred chestnut filly, made an encouraging start to her racing career on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in the Press Association of Jamaica Trophy over five furlongs (1,000m) straight.

Desert of Malibu was expected to deliver something exceptional after some exciting spins in the morning, and the fleet-footed runner did not disappoint as she romped home by 9 3/4 lengths in a time of 59.4 seconds.

The race was a four-year-old and upwards (non-winners of two) and also imported four-year-olds and upwards (maidens).

Trainer Gary Subratie was pleased with the effort from the Houston Stables-owned Desert of Malibu.

“Desert of Malibu is definitely a good one in the making,” Subratie told the Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“She has a lot to learn and she showed that she has class. Desert of Malibu has the ability and she’s only going to improve with each race, so I expected her to go places. Horses like this make you feel good because you can see a lot of potential in her.

“It is early days yet so let’s hope she doesn’t come up with any injuries or anything. We didn’t make any plans for her as yet as we only want her to get through this race. The time is good and she did it easy. The company wasn’t much but she won with easy,” Subratie said.

With Raddesh Roman replacing Dane Dawkins in the saddle, Desert of Malibu took control of the race from early ahead of Funometer (Bebeto Harvey), Storm A Come (Roger Hewitt), and Potential (Reyan Lewis).

Desert of Malibu stayed with the field for the first half of the race before pulling away after touching the main track. Desert of Malibu won ahead of Funometer and Potential without Roman needing to use the whip.