The Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury concluded with a moving tribute to the late Ian Balding, and a thrilling finish that saw Nabati, guided by veteran jockey William Buick, edge out Andrew Balding's filly Jolivette by the slimmest of margins. The race, named after the legendary Park Stables resident, provided a fitting backdrop for an emotional afternoon steeped in racing history and family legacy. Just over a week after a third‑place finish in the Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster, where Charlie Appleby’s colt was bested by Balding’s Forbidden Fire, the young horse returned to Newbury with a different agenda.
Sent back to a six‑furlong sprint, Nabati was installed as the 7‑4 favourite and lived up to expectations, clinching victory by a short‑head in a photo‑finish that left the crowd buzzing. The win not only reversed the earlier defeat to Arapaho Gold—who had bested Nabati over the same distance in July—but also underscored Appleby’s strategic acumen in dropping the colt back in trip. Michael Dods’ 5‑4 favourite, the Gimcrack‑winning Arapaho Gold, also featured prominently in the Group Two contest.
Though he could not repeat his July triumph, his presence added depth to the finish, and his performance helped shape a race that will be remembered as much for its competitive spirit as for the heartfelt moments that followed. After the race, William Buick reflected on his personal connection to the event. "I was twelve the first summer I visited Kingsclere, and the memories are vivid. Watching the footage of Ian speaking about Mill Reef brought back a flood of nostalgia.
I felt incredibly fortunate to have spent time there," he said. "When I woke up this morning, I knew the race was a tribute to Ian Balding, and I wanted to give it my all because I imagined him watching us.
I hope he would have been pleased to see us battle from the furlong post to the line. A dead‑heat would have been perfect, but winning this race feels wonderful." Appleby’s partnership with Nabati has already produced a Mill Reef win last year with Words Of Truth, and Buick noted the consistency of the colt’s performances. "He was a bit awkward out of the stalls today, but once we settled him into a rhythm, he responded beautifully. We asked for a quicker move than planned, and he fought back fiercely," Buick explained.
"At Doncaster the race unfolded differently, giving him a relatively easy run, but Charlie’s call today was spot‑on, and the horse has repaid that confidence." Andrew Balding, speaking about Jolivette’s valiant effort, praised the filly’s determination despite falling short. "She gave everything she had, and although she didn’t get the win, she secured a Group Two placing, which is a fantastic achievement for such a lovely filly," he said.
"She handles any ground and truly shines on the track. I’m grateful to Newbury and Dubai Duty Free for honoring my father’s legacy by naming the race after him.
It was almost perfect—Will’s victory for a Kingsclere boy capped the day beautifully." The card also highlighted the rising star Jack Nicholls, who secured his most significant victory to date in the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes aboard Miss Yechance. The 20‑year‑old apprentice, who previously guided the three‑year‑old to a handicap win at York’s Ebor meeting, delivered a neck‑length triumph at 12‑1 odds over Clive Cox’s Shagraan. Diligent Harry, a stablemate of Shagraan, claimed third place, edging out the 9‑4 favourite Starlust.
Nicholls’ win carries special resonance given his family’s sprinting pedigree—both his father Adrian and his late grandfather Dandy were celebrated for their prowess over short distances. "I called my dad on the way down and told him I thought I could finish in the top four.
He told me to stay level‑headed and not do anything out of character. I followed his advice, and it paid off, so I’m over the moon," Nicholls said. "My family has a strong sprinting tradition, and I hope I can continue that legacy." He added, "This season has felt like a dream.
I’ve ticked off every goal I set for myself. After winning the heritage handicap at York, I wanted a Group race win, and achieving that on my first Group start is incredibly special. The support from my trainer, Karl Burke, has been phenomenal from day one.
For him to trust me in a Group race means a lot, and the owners’ confidence in a 3‑pound claimer like me makes this victory even sweeter." Overall, the Mill Reef Stakes provided a compelling blend of competitive racing, heartfelt tributes, and emerging talent. Nabati’s narrow victory not only reversed a previous defeat but also reinforced Charlie Appleby’s skill in placing horses at optimal distances.
William Buick’s emotional connection to the Balding family added a personal dimension, while Andrew Balding’s gracious comments highlighted the camaraderie that underpins the sport. Meanwhile, Jack Nicholls’ breakthrough win signalled the arrival of a new generation of jockeys ready to carry forward a family tradition of sprinting excellence. The day’s events will be remembered both for the quality of the racing and the poignant celebration of Ian Balding’s enduring influence on British flat racing.