Havnameltdown loses by head in thrilling Saudi Derby
Fans in Riyadh were treated to an absolute thriller in the Grade 3, $1.5 million Saudi Derby as locally trained Commissioner King (12-1) wore down American raider Havnameltdown (6-5) in the final strides Saturday night at King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field.
The one-turn mile developed into an equine prize fight, with Frankie Dettori and Havnameltdown and Luis Morales and Commissioner King taking it right to the final bell.
Every move the legendary jockey from Italy made was shadowed by Morales and the Sabah Alshammri-trained Commissioner King, a lightly raced son of Commissioner who was acquired from America but was resold at the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia sale and campaigned domestically. He had warmed up for the Saudi Derby with a stylish win over the same course and distance in December.
"What a tough horse," said Morales, who deftly removed the plugs from Commissioner King's ears in mid-race in hopes the crowd noise would provide a boost. "It was an honor to ride in a race like that, and to come out on top is just the best. He was so tough, he kept wanting it, and we got there at the line."
Dettori said the added furlong might have cost Havnameltdown.
"After speaking to Bob, I tried to nurse his speed," Dettori said. "He has tons of speed. I tried to save as much as I could, we got into a duel, but unfortunately in the last 50 yards, it ran out. He was absolutely knackered. He put on a great show, and he was very brave. It’s a shame it wasn’t seven-eighths, but this is life."
"He ran a great race, and he just got ran down late on," said assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes, who represented Baffert in Saudi Arabia. "We are very proud of the horse. He really showed up today, but it is not an easy thing to do, come over here and take on all these horses, so we are very proud of him."
The top two were the only horses to ever get into the race with Commissioner King only edging past close home to gain the day by a head at a time of 1:38.820 without a run-up.
Japan runner Derma Sotogake (7-2) came through for third, 1 3/4 lengths adrift. Uruguay star Es-Unico (12-1), a half-year older than the rest of the 3-year-olds in the field, finished fourth.