Dragon Leader enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2023, winning all three of his starts, including impressive victories at Salisbury and the Goffs UK Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes at York. He rounded off the year by claiming the Listed 2 Year Old Trophy at Redcar, finishing his juvenile campaign with earnings exceeding £300,000.

By El Kabeir, a US Graded Stakes winner and son of Scat Daddy, Dragon Leader comes from a pedigree rich in speed. El Kabeir’s offspring include high-class performers such as Masekala and Harrow, while the dam, Sweet Dragon Fly, was a winner in the UK before earning Black-Type status in California. She is a daughter of Sweet Cecily, winner of the Listed Bosra Sham Stakes, adding further depth to his impressive bloodlines.

Purchased for £45,000 at the Doncaster Premier Yearling Sale, Dragon Leader immediately caught the eye of Luke Lillingston and trainer Clive Cox thanks to his strong pedigree and evident potential. His blend of Oasis Dream and Kodiac bloodlines points to an exciting future on the track.

Unfortunately, Dragon Leader’s 2024 campaign proved disappointing and fell short of the high expectations set by his stellar two-year-old season. Despite this, he still provided his owners with memorable experiences at some of racing’s biggest events. Following gelding in the autumn and planned pre-season wind surgery, he began this season with enthusiasm and the prospect of a revival. After a disappointing debut at Newbury, trainer Clive Cox remained not 100% happy with him, and it was soon confirmed that Dragon Leader had sustained a hairline fracture to his pelvis. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to return to training later this year.