Khaadem heading for Hong Kong run

Veteran sprinter Khaadem is set to clock up more air miles this winter, with a trip to Hong Kong next on his agenda following a fine effort in defeat at the Breeders’ Cup.

Although in the twilight of his career at the age of nine, the Charlie Hills-trained speedster proved he retains plenty of dash when landing the Grade Two Woodford Stakes at Keeneland last month under Frankie Dettori and the Italian was on board once more in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Khaadem defied his advancing years by coming home strongly to place third and his trainer is now planning a December appearance in Hong Kong.

Hills said: “He’s gone back to Lexington in Keeneland, where he’s been for the last three months. He seems absolutely fine and has come out of it well.

“It was obviously a very good run – he seems to be in the form of his life actually. We thought if he came out of it well, we’d try to ship him from there to Hong Kong and that is the plan.”

The Lambourn-based trainer hopes to see Khaadem in action again in 2026, adding: “There’s no reason why we should finish him. He’s moving well and seems as sound as he’s ever been really.”