Report: Defunded has new owner, is pointed to Saudi Cup

HRN staff
Photo: Santa Anita / Benoit Photo

Defunded, winner of four graded stakes, has been sold and will be pointed to the Group 1 Saudi Cup.

According to multiple media reports, Defunded was purchased by Dr. Muhaideb Abdullah Almuhaideb's HDB Racing Stable of Saudi Arabia.

The soon-to-be 6-year-old gelding had been owned by Michael Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, and the purchase price was not disclosed in a news release.

Formerly trained by Bob Baffert, Defunded's two wins from seven starts this year came in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) and Californian Stakes (G2). Most recently, he was second to Slow Down Andy in the Awesome Again (G1).

Defunded had one other Grade 1 win, in the 2022 Awesome Again, where he led gate to wire to win by 1 3/4 lengths over Country Grammer.

A son of Dialed In out of the Touch Gold mare Wind Caper, Defunded has a career record of 20: 7-5-2 and earnings of $1,666,600.

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