Jockey Dane Dawkins marked a milestone 500th career win aboard Desert of Malibu, who stormed to victory in the $1.25-million Easter Sprint Cup on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Desert of Malibu, trained by Gary Subratie, dominated the competition, battling with Mighty Gully in the early stages before pulling away to win by 4 ½ lengths Overnight Allowance event for three-year-olds and upward over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m).

Desert of Malibu, a seven-year-old American-bred chestnut mare bred by Malibu Moon out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Lady Digger, won in a time of 1:06.2 (22.3 x 46.3 x 59.2).

“I am feeling happy; very, very happy. I knew it was going to come and I am grateful for everything,” Dawkins said.

He credited Subratie, saying: “It is a very good partnership with trainer Gary Subratie. I mean, he is like a father to me.”

Dawkins described the winning ride: “I got a good break and I relaxed her as best as I can. I saw Mighty Gully inside of me but she wasn’t any threat as I was very comfortable. When I came into the straight I asked Desert of Malibu to run but at the furlong pole she started to idle a bit and that was when I applied the whip and she responded.”

— Ruddy Allen