Mickael Barzalona wins International Jockeys' Challenge

Mickael Barzalona maintained a golden period in his career by securing the 2026 International Jockeys’ Challenge at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Friday.

The French rider finished last year with a flourish, claiming Group 1 honours from the likes of Calandagan in the Japan Cup and Daryz in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, having been a major force in racing for well over a decade and a frequent visitor to Saudi Arabia.

The four-race competition, featuring 14 outstanding male and female jockeys from around the world, actually remained wide-open with 10 still in contention going into the last contest.

However, Barzalona eventually ended up with a double, taking both heats on the turf. He guided Year Of The Dragon home in round 4 over 1 5/16 miles in front of Norwegian-born Frida Valle-Skar, whose runner-up spot on Kortez Bay on a consistent evening would secure her second place overall. Saffie Osborne took third spot in the final standings.

"It’s always great to be invited to these kinds of events,” Barzalona said. “We know it’s a draw, so you need luck, as well. It’s always great to ride here.

"The way we ride on the dirt is completely different and the way you actually ride here is different, which makes the races very attractive, as well. It is great to be here.”

Valle-Skar, who is generally based in France, said: “It feels amazing, I'm really happy. When I got the draw I was quite happy with my horses and I was proved to be right.

“I was twice second but it is enough to be second. Obviously it would have been amazing to win, but it was a very good day. It changes from the way you ride in France but I think I managed to adapt so I'm quite happy with the result for today.

“I had not ridden on the dirt for 10 years, the last time was in Texas. It's good to learn and to take this back to France.”

Barzalona and Praetorian had earlier utterly dominated round 3 over six furlongs on the turf.

Breaking from the inside on Abdulelah Abdul Aziz Almousa’s progressive runner, Barzalona was in the lead almost immediately and was all alone with 400m remaining, stretching six lengths ahead of Luis Morales and Medd’haa.

British rider Osborne was off to a sensational start in round 1 as Hay Nebaha strolled home in the one-mile contest on the dirt.

Hafedhk Allah and Hollie Doyle set the early fractions but Osborne, aboard a talented mare representing owners King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and sons, was stalking dangerously. She gained an electric response when asking for an effort in the home straight and coasted four and a half lengths clear of Saebout and Valle-Skar.

“She was very straight-forward, kind of a jockeys’ dream she was that easy,” Osborne said. “I couldn’t believe when I looked over at the line how far clear she was. I think this is one of the easiest horses I’ve ever ridden!”

Nina Baltromei, who made history in her homeland when she became the first female rider to win the German Derby, added another important moment in her career when collecting round 2 over seven furlongs.

Another from the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and sons stable, Abbeyah was locked in a tight battle with Makthorh and Muhammad Aldaham but managed to find just enough in the finish to prevail by half a length with the pair well clear.

“It was really special,” Baltromei said. “It’s awesome here. The other horse was very tough but I had a horse who was a fighter and he fought with me.”