The 2025 Saudi Derby at King Abdul Aziz Racecourse on February 22, marked another exciting chapter in the history of horse racing, drawing attention from racing enthusiasts around the world.
With prize money totaling $900,000, the Grade 3 race attracted elite entries, including strong competitors from Japan. The feature event, held as part of the prestigious Saudi Cup Day, saw the C. Beasley-ridden Golden Vekoma clinch victory after putting on an impressive display of speed and stamina.
Golden Vekoma, representing trainer A. Bin Harmash, crossed the finish line with a time of 1:38.18, not only showcasing his prowess on the dirt track but also securing his second major win. This achievement solidifies his reputation as one of the standout horses of the season.
The race was fiercely competitive from the start, with Japan's Symphony Ever, ridden by Akira Sugawara, leading the charge and holding strong until the very end. Symphony Ever demonstrated tenacity and skill, taking the second position after attempting to fend off the challenges from Golden Vekoma. This finish highlighted the growing competitive spirit of Japanese thoroughbreds on the international stage.
Completing the podium was the gelding Maharry, who finished third, trained by T. Aldayhani. His strong performance was indicative of the high level of talent present at this high-stakes event.
Trailing the lead horses were other notable entrants such as Mistress, another Japanese representative, who took fourth place, and Myriad Love, which finished seventh underlining the mix of international talent showcased at the event.
Golden Vekoma, the winner, is the son of Vekoma and was bred at Woods Edge Farm LLC. With four races under his belt and three victories, his success continues to capture the admiration of racing fans and pundits alike.
This edition of the Saudi Derby not only emphasizes the importance of the event within the international racing calendar but also showcases the high-profile participation from Japanese horses. The competition has increasingly drawn eyes due to the success of Japan's finest horses competing at prestigious events abroad.
Overall, the event on February 22 was not just about the races but also about celebrating the spirit of competition and the community created around horse racing.
With the results of the 2025 Saudi Derby now concluded, all eyes turn to upcoming races and the question on everyone's lips - who will rise to the occasion next?