Rattle N Roll (USA) delivered a commanding performance to claim victory in the Group 3 The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, earning a spot in the prestigious $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 22. Trained by Kenny McPeek, the horse was leased by Saudi businessman Sharaf Al Hariri from Lucky Seven Stables for its Middle Eastern campaign.

Racing from stall 10, Hall of Fame jockey Joel Rosario adopted a patient approach, keeping Rattle N Roll well off the early pace set by Mike Smith aboard fellow American entry EJ Won The Cup. Entering the home straight, Rosario skillfully maneuvered his mount toward the inside rail. The son of Connect responded impressively, surging clear to win by a decisive four-and-three-quarter lengths.

“It was a perfect setup,” Rosario remarked post-race. “The pace was good, and I just let him be where he wanted to be. He delivered exactly what we needed and finished powerfully.”

Rosario’s Double Day Success

Rosario also guided Ancestral Land (GB) to victory in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier, a win that capped a stellar day for the US-based jockey. Trained by Jimmy Jerkens, Ancestral Land showcased speed and class to secure a spot in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint.

Speaking after his double, Rosario expressed his gratitude: “It’s great to be here and even better to have two winners. So many things have to align, and today they did.”

Looking ahead to the Saudi Cup, Rosario said of Rattle N Roll: “He handled the track well today, and we beat some strong horses. It’s going to be a tough race, but he’s in good form, and we’ll see how it plays out.”

Ferreira’s Treble and Other Highlights

Saudi-based Portuguese jockey Ricardo Ferreira stole the spotlight with a treble, including a victory aboard Mhally (GB) in the 2000 Guineas, a key qualifier for the Group 3 Saudi Derby.

Additionally, the Al-Diriyah Cup (Group 1 Obaiya Arabian Classic Qualifier) was claimed by Nirehazz (FR), ridden by Ricardo Ferreira for trainer Omar Altuwilei.

Among the Saturday Group 1 races, Yaroa (KSA) secured victory in The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for Saudi-bred horses, while the SAR 5 million King Abdulaziz Cup was dominated by Taj Blaadi (KSA) under Wigberto Ramos. HRH Prince Khaled Bin Faisal Bin Abdulaziz’s Red Stable celebrated an impressive five-win haul.

Friday’s Saudi Cup Qualifiers

Friday’s action saw more qualifiers for the Saudi Cup meeting. Notable winners included:

• Malyan (GB) in the 1351 Turf Sprint Qualifier, ridden by Ricardo Ferreira.
• Bolide Potro (IRE) in the Listed Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup, guided by Camilo Ospina.
• Sharfa Alhezam (KSA) in the Arabian Horses Open (Al Mneefah Qualifier), ridden by Naif Alanzi.

The Saudi Cup Meeting Awaits

With $38.1 million in prize money on offer, the Saudi Cup meeting will take center stage on February 21-22, promising two days of world-class racing at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.