Al Haram (IRE) announced himself as one of the brightest prospects on the international stage with a sensational victory in the Group 3 USD$1.5m Saudi Derby Presented by ZOOD Realty at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday. The Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah-owned colt produced a breathtaking late surge to secure a memorable triumph in Riyadh.
American contender Obliteration (USA), trained by Steve Asmussen, leapt smartly from gate seven and dictated the early pace, with Japan’s Satono Voyage (JPN) close on his outside. Keita Tosaki, aboard Satono Voyage, pushed the Japanese colt to the front as they approached the stretch, and it seemed a thrilling duel was set between him and Obliteration.
But Al Haram, patiently held mid-pack by Ricardo Ferreira, unleashed a powerful turn of foot in the final 50 metres. The unbeaten four-year-old closed with authority to claim victory by a length and a quarter, crossing the line in 1:38.453 and extending his perfect record to four wins from four starts. The colt now looks set for bigger international assignments, with ambitions of the UAE Derby and even the Kentucky Derby on the horizon.
Race Details and Finish Order
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Al Haram (IRE) – Ricardo Ferreira
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Obliteration (USA) – Joel Rosario
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Satono Voyage (JPN) – Keita Tosaki
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Wonder Dean – Oisin Murphy
Ferreira hailed the performance as one of the highlights of his career. “It was very special because I think this horse is the best one I have ridden in my life,” he said. “When we came outside in the stretch, he was amazing. It’s a dream, and I hope to achieve more winners for the stable.”
Sheikh Faisal Al Sabah, representing the owner, praised the colt’s potential: “He’s a champion, he’s an amazing horse. From the beginning here in Saudi Arabia he’s been fascinating us. He showed his class today and hopefully the next stop is the UAE Derby. We also hope he’s good enough for the Kentucky Derby — he’s a very good horse.”
Joel Rosario, who rode second-placed Obliteration, acknowledged Al Haram’s late surge. “I thought I had him, my horse fought back inside, but then that horse came from out of the clouds,” he said. Satono Voyage’s rider Keita Tosaki noted, “He ran just as we planned, and his rhythm was good throughout.” Meanwhile, Wonder Dean delivered a career-best effort, with Oisin Murphy noting that the horse could improve over longer distances.
Al Haram’s commanding finish has cemented his reputation as a colt to watch on the global racing stage, combining speed, stamina, and an unshakable will to win.
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