Twelve months after announcing himself on the international stage, Mhally (GB) once again rose to the occasion, earning a coveted place in the 2026 Saudi Cup with a determined victory in the Group 3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
Ridden with confidence by Ricardo Ferreira, the reigning 2000 Guineas hero showed maturity and resilience to land the SAR1,500,000 feature, capping a remarkable afternoon for connections and underlining his affinity for the Riyadh track. The performance confirmed Mhally’s progress since his Classic success and secured his return to the world’s richest race on February 14.
Ferreira enjoyed a memorable four-win haul on the card, sharing the spotlight with trainer Thamer Aldaihani and owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah. The trio had earlier revisited familiar territory when Al Haram (IRE) carried their colours to victory in the 2000 Guineas, ensuring a day to savour for one of the meeting’s most successful partnerships.
Mhally had already hinted at his staying ability when finishing third in the Derby on Saudi Cup night last year, and he reaffirmed those credentials in the 1800m qualifier. With four runners still in contention entering the home straight, the son of his sire showed his trademark determination, finding extra when challenged to repel Ameerat Alzamaan (GB), partnered by Joel Rosario, by three-quarters of a length.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup Sets Saudi Cup Stage
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup once again played its role as a vital stepping stone on the road to Saudi Cup night, and this renewal was no exception. Mhally’s assured display suggested he has strengthened since his Classic season and arrives at the main event with unfinished business.
Earlier on the programme, Al Haram delivered one of the most striking performances of the afternoon. The three-year-old, unbeaten over 1600m prior to the race, appeared to have his task complicated when slowly away and anchored at the rear. What followed was a devastating surge through the field, the colt quickening powerfully to score by seven and a quarter lengths and book his place in the Saudi Derby.
Elsewhere, Maestro Du Croate (FR) finally shed his maiden tag at the seventh attempt, producing a determined effort under Camilo Ospina to claim the Group 3 Al-Dareyah Cup. The four-year-old’s success was hard-earned, edging out Nijinski Al Maury (FR) after a sustained duel in the closing stages.
Ospina later doubled up when Min Shan (KSA) completed a commanding front-running success in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier, leading home a stable one-two and extending his winning sequence over the 1200m distance.
Ferreira’s day was further enhanced when Thayaf (KSA) maintained his perfect record with a fourth straight victory in the domestic Group 1 King Abdulaziz Cup, while Christophe Soumillon struck back-to-back wins aboard Wanaameen (KSA), following up last month’s success in the domestic Group 1 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup.
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