International fan favorite Kabirkhan‘s journey to the American starting gate has hit a bump in the road, trainer Brad Cox reported July 17.

“I wasn’t happy with the way he was moving,” Cox said. “We sent him to the farm, just give him some time.”

A colt from humble beginnings, Kabirkhan captured the hearts of the racing world in the lead-up to the March 30 Dubai World Cup (G1). A $12,000 purchase from the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the Kentucky-bred son of California Chrome   dominated the Kazakhstan and Russian circuit before taking his show on the road by winning the Al Maktoum Challenge (G1) in Dubai.

Following his eighth-place finish in the World Cup, Kabirkhan left the care of Dubai-based trainer Doug Watson for Cox’s Churchill Downs-based operation.

Kabirkhan joined Cox in mid-May after some turnout time at WinStar Farm, but Cox was unhappy with his progress and ultimately sent him back for some more relaxation before recording his first stateside workout.

“I talked it over with the owner (Tlek Mukanbetkaliyev), he’s all about doing the right thing for the horse,” Cox said. “He may return later this summer.”

Whether Kabirkhan ends up making a start in the United States is in question as Mukanbetkaliyev hopes for a return trip to Dubai in the winter. Whether that is with Cox as the trainer or a return to Watson is yet to be seen.

“I don’t know if he would go there under our care or not,” Cox said. “He needed some time.”