The desert air will be heavy with anticipation this Saturday at King Khalid Racecourse as the crowd braces for one of the season’s defining moments: the US$106,000 Taif Derby. All eyes will be on Mhally (GB), the brilliant 2000 Guineas winner, as he seeks to capture a rare Classic double against a field of 12 top contenders.
Trainer Thamer Aldaihani kissed his star colt on the forehead after a light workout yesterday, a quiet gesture reflecting both belief and pressure. “He’s stronger, sharper, and hungrier this year,” he said. “But we know the others haven’t been standing still.”
Mhally Returns for Glory in the Taif Derby
For Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, Mhally has already delivered unforgettable moments — notably his 2000 Guineas triumph on January 25 in Riyadh before a spirited third-place finish behind Golden Vekoma in the Saudi Derby. Now, after months of patient preparation, the colt makes his seasonal debut hoping to stamp himself as Saudi Arabia’s brightest Classic star.
Yet, the challenge will be fierce. Jaarif (USA), trained by Abdullah Almonif, came within half a length of Mhally in the Guineas and will have the services of jockey Khaled Almimoni this time. The White Stables’ Faal Khair (USA), fourth that day, also returns to settle unfinished business for King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz and Sons.
Rising Stars and New Rivals Enter the Frame
Adding intrigue to the race is Bernard Shaw (USA), a US$1.8 million yearling purchased from the sales ring and once trained by the legendary Aidan O’Brien in Ireland. Now representing Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz’s Red Stable, the colt made his Saudi debut only last week, finishing sixth, but connections believe he’ll come on significantly for that run.
Camilo Ospina, the man of the moment after six victories in last weekend’s Taif Jockey Championship, will again partner Mhalhal (USA) for trainer Ahmed Mohamoud. The duo finished runner-up in the recent trial, just ahead of Muhammad Aldaham’s mount.
Taif Arabian Derby: Wared Al Sengar Leads the Charge
Saturday also features the Taif Arabian Derby, another US$106,000 showpiece for Purebred Arabians over 1600m, where local star Wared Al Sengar (KSA) leads a competitive field of ten.
Trained by Mustafa Almosa and ridden by Mohammad Alhubail, the colt returns after a commanding prep win but faces stern opposition from trial runner-up Wasib (FR) for Abdulaziz Almosa and third-placed HM Alnasserallah (FR) for Bassim Almousa.
Last season’s King Faisal Cup heroine, Lacy Des Vialettes (FR), also joins the line-up, attempting to rebound from a disappointing seventh earlier this month.
Other Weekend Highlights at King Khalid
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Friday’s Feature: The Makkah Almokarramah Reg. Gov. Cup (1600m) sees Final Destination (GB) and Uncle (GB) — both from Aldaihani’s powerful yard — clash again with Henry Q (USA) after their thrilling duel in the August 1 prep.
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Taif University Cup: A 16-runner showdown over 1400m for local-bred horses, featuring four strong contenders from the Red Stable, including the improving Saodad (KSA), who caught the eye with his Riyadh Dirt Sprint fifth.
All Roads Lead to Mhally
With prestige, pride, and US$106,000 on the line, the Taif Derby 2025 promises to be one of the most exhilarating chapters of the Saudi racing season. Whether Mhally etches his name in history or a new challenger steals the crown, King Khalid Racecourse is set for a weekend that will resonate far beyond Taif.
Read the full story and more racing updates on RaceBuzz.
For official racecards, schedules, and updates, visit King Khalid Racecourse.
