EPSOM, Surrey, England: Frankie Dettori powered home 13-8 favorite Golden Horn to win the Epsom Derby on Saturday to crown the Italian riding star’s return to the big time after his well documented drugs ban and split with Godolphin.
Dettori, claiming the blue riband for the second time after Authorized in 2007, came from the back of the field to surge into the lead in the closing stages, beating Jack Hobbs (4-1).
The first two were trained by John Gosden, like Dettori also winning his second Derby after Benny The Dip in 1997.
Storm The Stars (14-1), trained by William Haggas finished third.
With a question mark over his mount’s stamina 44-year-old Dettori held Golden Horn up as Hans Holbein, trying to claim trainer Aidan O’Brien’s fourth straight win in the Epsom classic, led the dozen runners round Tattenham Corner.
William Buick got to work on Jack Hobbs and they briefly took command but Dettori was cruising up the outside, and once in front stayed on stoutly to land the famous spoils, Dettori waving his arm in jubilation.
Dettori, relishing his resurgence after falling out with Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin and a six months ban for cocaine use, said: “The horse was magnficent. He did win it by a long way in the end he flew at the end.
“I couldn’t get him going and then he flew. It’s a brilliant feeling.”
Gosden, only the third trainer to train the first two home in the turf’s blue riband race, reflected: “I thought Frankie dropped him out beautifully. He rode a cool race.
“Jack Hobbs has run a blinder and all being well he can go to Ireland (Derby),” added the 64-year-old.
Golden Horn shot to the top of the Derby’s ante-post betting when claiming the main Derby prep, the Dante at York.
Owner Anthony Oppenheimer had never regarded his colt as a Derby candidate due to doubts about the mile half and a half trip, and so had to pay a 75,000 pound supplementary fee to add him to the Epsom mix — money well spent as it turned out with his colt now worth tens of millions as a stallion.
“Such a thrill — amazing, I can hardly believe it amazing,” said Oppenheimer.
Resurgent Dettori wins Epsom Derby on Golden Horn
Resurgent Dettori wins Epsom Derby on Golden Horn
Top Saudi teams set for ESL Saudi Challenge 2026 finals
- Leading esports teams feature in competition
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s leading esports teams will go head-to-head later this week as the ESL Saudi Challenge 2026 reaches its decisive stages, underlining the Kingdom’s growing ambition to develop local talent and strengthen its professional gaming ecosystem.
Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the tournament is designed to provide Saudi players with a clear pathway into elite-level competition while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for gaming and esports.
The online phase of the Overwatch 2 competition took place on Jan. 23-24, with the action set to culminate in a live LAN final on Jan. 30 at EFG Studios in Riyadh.
The competition features a total prize pool of $20,000, offering a significant incentive for emerging Saudi esports talent and reflecting the rising professionalism of the Kingdom’s national scene.
The lineup for the second stage has now been confirmed, blending established names with ambitious newcomers. Defending champions Twisted Minds return to defend their title against Kurohana, Newgens, and Lunar Crew, who secured their places through the qualification rounds. With only three teams progressing to the finals, the stakes remain high on the national stage.
Franck Guignery, senior vice president and managing director for the Middle East and Africa at EFG, said: “The ESL Saudi Challenge represents an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to the Saudi esports community.
“Through this competition we aim to empower Saudi players to refine their skills and demonstrate their potential within a high-stakes, professional environment, while contributing meaningfully to the development of a sustainable ecosystem that enables local talent to progress from national competition to global stages.”
The ESL Saudi Challenge aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, supporting talent development and the long-term growth of the Kingdom’s gaming and esports sector.
Positioned as a Saudi-focused competitive platform, the tournament forms part of EFG’s long-term approach to reinforcing professional standards, enabling talent progression, and fostering community-driven competition.
Through initiatives such as the ESL Saudi Challenge, EFG aims to ensure that Saudi esports talent is equipped to compete successfully not only at home, but also on regional and international stages.
