Observer (Ghaiyyath) proved all class and determination at Flemington, leading throughout to claim the G1 Victoria Derby over 2,500m on Saturday, 1 November.
Trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by Mark Zahra, the three-year-old colt jumped cleanly, rolled forward to take control, and dictated terms throughout. When challenged in the straight, he responded, holding his rivals to record a tough and deserved victory, a performance reminiscent of his sire Ghaiyyath.
Bred and raced by Godolphin Australia, Observer’s victory marked a milestone for his sire Ghaiyyath, registering his first G1 winner and further strengthening his position among the leading second-season sires in Australia.
Ghaiyyath’s record speaks for itself, now the clear leading second-season sire, he leads all comers by Stakes winners. In Australia alone, he has produced 10 winners from 27 runners, including three Stakes winners (two at Group level) and total progeny earnings of AU$2.46 million.
From start to finish, simply brilliant 💫
OBSERVER takes out the 2025 Howden Victoria Derby.
🎥 @wwos | #DerbyDay | #MelbCupCarnival pic.twitter.com/G2MeXukpce
