Mickael Barzalona Sweeps International Jockeys Challenge in Riyadh

The Frenchman secured victory in the final two legs of the championship, edging out Norway’s Frida Valle-Skar and Britain’s Saffie Osborne.

For Barzalona, a formidable moment in his career / JCSA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Special for Turf Diario).– Mickael Barzalona extended his professional golden streak by clinching the 2026 International Jockeys’ Challenge Presented by J Event at King Abdulaziz Racecourse this Friday, during the opening day of the Saudi Cup (G1) meeting.

The French rider finished last year at the top of his game, reaching G1 glory with standouts like Calandagan (Gleneagles) in the Japan Cup (G1) and Daryz (Sea the Stars) in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), consolidating his position as a central figure in world racing for over a decade and a frequent visitor to Saudi Arabia.

The competition, divided into four legs with 14 world-class jockeys and female riders participating, remained wide open until the end, with 10 competitors still holding a mathematical chance heading into the final race.

However, Barzalona sealed the title with a double, winning both legs contested on the turf. He piloted Year Of The Dragon (Dragon Pulse) to victory in Round 4 over 2,100 meters, defeating Norway’s Frida Valle-Skar, whose runner-up finish aboard Kortez Bay (New Bay) after a night of great consistency secured her second place in the overall standings. Saffie Osborne took the third spot on the final podium.

"It’s always a pleasure to be invited to these types of events," Barzalona commented. "We know we depend on the luck of the draw, so you need that on your side. It’s always a joy to ride here. The way they race on the dirt is completely different, and the riding style here has its own nuances, which makes the races very attractive. It’s great to be here."

Valle-Skar, who usually campaigns in France, noted: "It feels incredible, I’m very happy. When I saw the draw, I was pleased with my mounts, and the results proved me right. I was second twice, but it was enough for the runner-up spot. Obviously, it would have been amazing to win, but it was a very good day. It’s a change from how we race in France, but I think I managed to adapt, so I’m happy with today's outcome. I hadn't ridden on the dirt in 10 years—the last time was in Texas. It’s good to learn and take this experience back to France."

Barzalona and Praetorian (Romanised) had previously dominated Round 3 from gate to wire over 1,200 meters on the grass. Breaking from the inside aboard the progressive defender of the Abdulelah Abdul Aziz Almousa silks, Barzalona took the lead almost immediately and drew clear with 400 meters to go, opening up a six-length advantage over Panama’s Luis Morales and Medd’haa (Practical Joke).

Britain’s Osborne had a sensational start in Round 1 Presented by RPM, where Hay Nebaha (Tajaaweed) won authoritatively in the 1,600-meter dirt contest.

Hafedhk Allah (Dubai Destination) and Hollie Doyle set the early pace, but Osborne, aboard the talented filly owned by King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz & Sons, was lurking dangerously. When she asked for an effort in the home straight, the response was electric, pulling away by four and a half lengths over Saebout—a daughter of the Argentine sire Equal Miller—and Valle-Skar.

“She was very straightforward, a jockey’s dream because of how easy she made it,” Osborne said. “I couldn’t believe the margin when I looked back at the wire. I think she’s one of the easiest horses I’ve ever had to ride!”

Nina Baltromei, who made history in her homeland by becoming the first female jockey to win the Deutsches Derby (G1), added another milestone to her career by taking Round 2 Presented by Boutique Group over 1,400 meters. Also representing King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz & Sons, Abbeyah (Premium Tap) engaged in a fierce duel with Makthorh (Requinto) and Muhammad Aldaham, but found enough late to prevail by a half-length, with both horses well clear of the rest.

“It was very special,” Baltromei stated. “It’s fantastic to be here. The other horse was very tough, but I was on a true warrior who fought with me until the end.”