The Saudi Derby 2025 witnessed the remarkable performance of the Japanese horse, Symphony Ever, who finished second only to the UAE's Golden Vekoma. The event, famous for showcasing some of the best young thoroughbreds, took place at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 22, 2025. Jockey Sugawara Akira led Symphony Ever with both determination and skill, nearly claiming victory.
Initially, it appeared as if Symphony Ever would triumph, as the horse took the lead from the start. Sugawara rode confidently, creating distance from the field as the race progressed. It wasn't until the final 100 meters when the competition intensified, and Golden Vekoma surged forward to overtake Symphony Ever, finishing just one and three-quarter lengths ahead.
After the race, Sugawara expressed his frustration and disappointment, saying, "After all, I was just a bit short." His feelings reflected the intense competitive spirit of the event, where every fraction of a second counts and can mean the difference between first and second place.
Trainer Mori Hidetaka appeared reflective yet hopeful. He stated, "I wanted to lead, but I had to be considerate of Mirriad Love," referring to the strategic dynamics of the race, which involved multiple horses competing for prime positions. Mori's commentary highlights the complexity of race strategy and collaboration among the jockeys and horses.
Symphony Ever's performance is particularly notable as this was the horse's first venture onto dirt after seven prior races, demonstrating the potential for Japanese horses at this high-level international competition.
Other Japanese competitors included Mistress, who finished fourth, maintaining solid form throughout the race but could not push past the leading horses. Nishimura Junya, the rider of seventh-placed Mirriad Love, reflected on his performance, stating, "I want to work hard to come back from this loss," asserting his determination to improve for future races.
The winner of the Saudi Derby, Golden Vekoma, clocked in at 1 minute and 38.19 seconds, showcasing the incredible talent present on the international stage. It marks another significant achievement for UAE racing, continuing their strong reputation within the thoroughbred community.
The Saudi Derby has historically drawn top talent from around the world, and this year was no different. The Japanese connection adds another layer of intrigue as the country continues to invest and develop its horse racing skills on the world stage.
With Symphony Ever's impressive run, fans and experts alike are eager to see how this horse will perform next. The promising speed displayed in the Saudi Derby suggests there may be greater successes on the horizon for both Symphony Ever and the Japanese contingent.
The race raised the stakes for international racing, emphasizing the growing competitiveness and quality of thoroughbreds from Japan. Following up on performances like these can only bolster the reputation and presence of Japanese horses on the global racing circuit.
Complete results from the Saudi Derby showcased the extraordinary talent present, emphasizing the diversity and excitement of horse racing. Moving forward, the aspirations of both riders and trainers remain focused on continual improvement and the promise of future victories.