Seven-year-old chestnut mare Desert of Malibu (Malibu Moon – Lady Digger) reaffirmed her status as one of the country’s premier thoroughbreds in training, digging deep to notch her 13th career victory in the $1.5-million Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Stakes Trophy feature on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Desert of Malibu proved that despite her age and ongoing health management, her class remains undeniable as she won the Open Allowance contest over 6 furlongs (1,200m) by half-length in a time of 1:10.2.

The sprint for three-year-olds and upward unfolded at a blistering pace from the break. California Crown, guided by jockey Tevin Foster, tore out of the gates to set an aggressive front-running tempo, posting sharp fractions of 22.3 for the opening quarter and 46.0 for the half-mile.

Red-hot apprentice Tajay Suckoo showed calm composure aboard Desert of Malibu, pinning his mount to the inside rail to save valuable ground. As the field straightened into the home stretch, California Crown tried to pull away along the inside. But with a furlong and a half to run, Suckoo angled Desert of Malibu into the clear through the middle of the track.

California Crown fought back courageously, but Desert of Malibu’s relentless late surge proved too much. California Crown held on for second and Don Kwesi (Demar Williams) finished in third.

Desert of Malibu (Tajay Suckoo) gets the better of California Crown (Tevin Foster) in the 30th running of the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Stakes Trophy on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Speaking after the victory, trainer Gary Subratie reflected on both the mare’s delicate physical condition and the tactically sound ride provided by her young jockey.

“This horse has continuous issues which require a lot of care and attention. At her healthiest, she can compete against the best available. I was particularly pleased with the young apprentice in the saddle. He delivered a really good ride,” Subratie said.

Subratie also shed light on why the seven-year-old mare remains actively racing rather than enjoying retirement in the breeding shed:

“When she came to Jamaica, she was scheduled to go to stud, but after several attempts, Desert of Malibu did not hold. It was after that that the decision was taken to race her,” he explained.