Italia to the fore as Salah Al Din takes international challenge

Young Pisa-based trainer enjoying first overseas runner

Image:Salah Al Din at morning trackwork, King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Feb 2025

Credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia //Erika Rasmussen

Tuesday 18 February, 2025 – Michele Italia is keen to make the most of a big opportunity early in his training career as he saddles Salah Al Din (GB) in Saturday’s US$500,000 Saudi International Handicap presented by NHC.

As his name might suggest, the trainer is representing Italy. Italia has just nine horses at his base in Pisa but this 6-year-old by Time Test has been a regular winner to grow his reputation.

Salah Al Din, successful over 1600m on his latest start at the end of 2024, had a gentle canter around the turf track on Tuesday under big-race jockey Marco Ghiani.

"It was his first day outside after two days in quarantine, so he was a little bit fresh but everything was OK," Italia said. "We’ll try to do a little bit more later in the week but Marco said the track was perfect, especially as he was getting used to wearing new shoes."

Italia got to know Ghiani, who is based in the United Kingdom, during his time working for trainer Ed Dunlop.

"He’s from Sardinia and I’m from Sicily, so it’s different, but I met him when we were in Newmarket and Marco is like my little brother," he said."

"I’m just a young trainer, I’ve been training in Italy for four years. It’s a good experience and a great opportunity, so all the team is very excited. It will be difficult, but we’ll do our best.”

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