rabian Crown (FR) and Jamie Spencer winning the Grade 1 Canadian International. (Michael Burns Photo)
TORONTO, October 3, 2026 – Arabian Crown (FR) delivered a world-class performance in Saturday’s 86th running of the $750,000 Canadian International (G1T) at Woodbine.
Tomasello, fresh off an impressive score in the Singspiel Stakes (G3T), motored to the lead in the 1 ½-mile event for 3-year-olds and up, as Arabian Crown (FR) settled into second spot as the field headed into the first turn of the expansive E.P. Taylor turf, while Ancient Egypt (IRE) and Purview (GB) sat third and fourth, respectively, in the early going.
Reaching the opening panel in :24.44 over good going, Tomasello was one length in front of 7-5 mutuel choice Arabian Crown (FR) and maintained that advantage through a half in :50.97.
Arabian Crown (FR), who arrived at the International off a pleasing 2 ¼-length score in the Kilternan Stakes (G3T) at Leopardstown on September 12 – his third group success – was patiently handled by Jamie Spencer, who kept close tabs on the pacesetter through three-quarters in 1:17.10.
Spencer gave the son of Dubawi his cue shortly afterward, and the gelding responded with an explosive turn of foot, seizing the lead and striding away with confidence from his six rivals heading into the turn for home.
Midway down the lane, Arabian Crown (FR) drifted towards the grandstand, but as Spencer would later note, it was by design, a pre-determined decision to place the gelding on less traveled ground.
Ahead by two lengths at Robert Geller’s stretch call, the 5-year-old powered home to record a 3 ¾-length win in a time of 2:30.67. Tawny Port, second by a nose in last year’s running, closed to finish second. Purview (GB) was third and Ancient Egypt (IRE) was fourth.
“It (not getting the lead) was a little bit frustrating because I wanted the lead at an even pace,” said Spencer, who earned his first International win, while giving Godolphin its record fifth victory in the fall classic, and trainer Charlie Appleby his record-tying third Internation triumph. “So, I accepted it and sat in behind. I did get going at the half-mile pole. He had his ears pricked in front and he was getting a good breather. He’s a fit horse and he came in here high on confidence.
“That was the plan,” continued Spencer, of shifting Arabian Crown (FR) towards the outer part of the turf course down the lane. “When I walked the track earlier, it obviously had racing on there, and because with the rain yesterday, it was quite uneven, so I thought if I swing off three or four horses, he’ll have fresh ground and it might help him.”
Assistant trainer Nikki Jones also lauded the top-shelf effort of Arabian Crown (FR), who notched his first win at the Grade 1 level.
“Amazing performance,” said Jones. “Since he’s been here, he’s trained very well – just fantastic. I thought we would get a nice lead. We wanted him to make the running… but it was great. As long as he has space, he’s good.”
Arabian Crown (FR) was second to Rebel’s Romance in July’s G2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes. The latter, also a Godolphin runner, was retired after that victory, having won 22 races, nine of them Group or Grade 1 wins, including two Breeders’ Cup Turf victories, in a career that spanned seven campaigns and yielded £12.2m in purse earnings.
“He’s been lightly raced, but he’s improving all the time,” said Jones.
The International was the first North American start for Arabian Crown (FR), who was bred by G. B. Partnership. His record now stands at 7-1-2 from 14 starts.
Today’s win was the latest Woodbine success for Godolphin, who won the Woodbine Mile (G1T) for the second straight year with Notable Speech (GB) on Sept. 12.
In 2021, Godolphin and Appleby won the International when Walton Street (GB) romped to a 5 ¾-length score with Frankie Dettori in the irons. In 2023, Godolphin, Appleby and William Buick teamed with Nations Pride (IRE) for a 2 ¼-length triumph. Last year, Nations Pride (IRE) was third to Silawi (IRE).
Arabian Crown (FR) paid $4.90 for the win.
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Chris Lomon, Woodbine
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