Hawkbill, who finsihed second in he Grade 1 Northern Dancer Stakes at Woodbine last September, won Saturday's Group 1 Sheema Classic at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates.

Hawkbill gave Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin Racing its third Group 1 win of the evening. Earlier, Jungle Cat won the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint on turf and Benbatl won the $6 million Dubai Turf at 1 1-8 miles. Sheikh Mohammed is the world famous ruler of Dubai, who built Godolphin and Meydan Racecourse.

Ridden by William Buick, Hawkbill led throughout the Sheema Classic at 1 1-2 miles on turf to win by about three lengths over Poet's Word. Cloth of Stars, another Godolphin runner, finished third in the field of 10. Cloth of Stars was second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly, France, last October.

Prior to the race, Hawkbill and Satono Crown were upset as the field was being loaded in the gate. They were briefly unloaded and observed by a veterinarian before going back in the gate.

Hawkbill did not face significant pressure throughout the $6 million Sheema Classic. Cloth of Stars did not have an ideal trip while stalking the pace. Ridden by Mikael Barzalona, Cloth of Stars was unsettled racing behind Hawkbill. In the stretch, Cloth of Stars had clear room but could not challenge the leader.

Hawkbill, a 5-year-old Kentucky-bred by Kitten's Joy, was purchased for $350,000 at the 2014 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Hawkbill has won 10 of 20 starts and earned $4,597,545. The win in the Sheema Classic was worth $3.6 million.

The Sheema Classic was Hawkbill's second Group 1 win. He won the 2016 Eclipse Stakes at 1 1-4 miles on turf at Sandown Park, south of London.