The Colombian jockey, a true idol of the saddle in Saudi Arabia with over 1,000 victories, will ride the Argentine-bred horse
By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special correspondent for Turf Diario in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (From a special correspondent) – Not much could be seen this week from Intense for Me, the winner of the most recent Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), where he defeated El Kodigo (Equal Stripes).
Having already been released from quarantine, his training sessions at King Abdulaziz Racetrack were scheduled around 2 a.m., making it impossible to witness his workouts due to logistical issues.
The Fortify colt is set for a major challenge this afternoon in the Saudi Cup (G1), the world’s richest race, as questions loom over how well he’s adjusted to the journey and acclimatization. According to his team, the first part of his stay in the city was difficult, though he settled in well in the final days.
Riding Intense for Me will be Colombian jockey Camilo Ospina, a record-breaking figure in Arabian racing with over 1,000 career wins and a wealth of experience. This will be his second appearance in the prestigious competition, a goal for everyone working in the region.
Everything about this race is special for Ospina, as he teams up with the Argentine-bred colt—a situation that adds a romantic touch to the occasion. “I’m very pleased to ride a horse, especially an Argentine one, with which we’ll represent all of Latin America. I’m really happy to be here again for the Saudi Cup, a rare opportunity for us,” said Camilo, with his signature kindness.
When asked if he had the chance to ride Intense for Me during his stay, the response is surprising: “Actually, I haven’t ridden him, as the trainer has his exercise rider who gallops him daily, works him, and takes care of everything. But I’ve been paying close attention the entire time. I’ve watched him move… I really like the horse. He’s adapted well and is in great form.”
When discussing the upcoming race, the seasoned jockey explains: “It’s a very difficult race, but he’s a horse with a lot of quality. We have to be honest; we’re up against Group 1 horses from all over the world. The good thing is that Intense for Me and El Kodigo are also Group 1 winners, but the uncertainty with my horse is that he’s not always favored by the dirt. I like how he’s been training on the dirt and how he moved on the track. He’s in very good shape.”
Camilo Ospina is the go-to jockey for the sons of King Abdullah and is always in the spotlight during the season. He’s confident in his chances with Intense for Me and is thrilled to continue working in Saudi Arabia, the country that welcomed him with open arms and where he’s become one of the stars of the saddle. We hope his confidence translates into a positive result.
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