First World War wins Gr.3 Kitten’s Joy

Qatar Racing has had a lot of success with Kitten’s Joy – sire of Roaring Lion and Kameko – and it continued when 3yo colt First World War won the Gr.3 Kitten’s Joy Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. He looks a colt of serious potential.

First World War made a winning debut at Kentucky Downs ion September and, after good efforts in Stakes company, he made his breakthrough in the 8-runner Kitten’s Joy over 8.5f on turf.

First World War jumped alertly in the hands of Tyler Gaffalione and tracked Tocayo in the early exchanges, sharing second place with Edgartown who was ridden by Oisin Murphy for Wathnan Racing.

First World War began to go through the gears rounding the final bend and, after hitting the front approaching 1f out, was always doing enough to hold off Hammerstein.

First World War is trained by Brendan Walsh for Qatar Racing LLC and Hunter Valley Farm, who purchased him for $135,0000 at the Keeneland September Yearling sale in 2022. He's a son of late superstar stallion War Front out of Malibu Moon mare Sundaysatthebeach, a winner bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings.

Gaffalione said: “All the credit goes to Brendan and his team.

“They brought the horse over ready and he fired big for us. Everything went to plan. The speed horse jumped out in front and my horse settled great behind him. He got into a great rhythm, and he responded well for me down the lane.

“He's a tremendous talent. He's still learning, but the sky's the limit for him. If he keeps developing the way he is, I think we'll have a pretty nice horse down the road.”