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SARGA.CO - British-trained Title Role achieved the biggest win of his career in the G1 Belmont Derby, edging West End Kid by a nose in a thrilling finish at Saratoga Race Course last Saturday on the 4th of July.

Run over 1⅛ miles (1.800 meter) on turf for three-year-olds, the $750,000 race produced one of the closest finishes of the US racing season as the winning colt held off a furious final rally to secure his first top-level victory.

Trained by father-and-son duo Simon Crisford and Ed Crisford, Title Role arrived in the US after an extensive international campaign in 2026, including solid placements and wins in Dubai, England and Germany.

Starting at 7-1 under veteran jockey John Velazquez, Title Role broke sharply and settled just behind the early leader Touch of Fire. Travelling comfortably throughout, he spaced himself alongside the pacesetter approaching the home stretch, before making his move to charge ahead.

As fellow competitors West End Kid and Remember Mamba produced powerful late surges to close the gap as well, the trio flashed past the finish line together. The photo confirmed Title Role as the winner by a nose over West End Kid, while Remember Mamba - the favourite - was another neck away in third.

The Belmont Derby win was Title Role’s first G1 triumph, as well as his first win beyond a mile, answering any doubts about his ability to stay the longer distance.

Trainer Ed Crisford felt Saratoga's layout suited his colt perfectly. “That last furlong, he was treading water, but he's a super tough horse. He really suits these turning tracks. We thought this horse would particularly like two turns around here.”

He explained that Title Role’s agility and acceleration made the trip across the Atlantic worthwhile. “Physically, he's very nimble and well balanced. A lot of the European tracks are galloping, straight miles. He has this really good, sort of an electric turn of foot. That's why we came here.”

More to Come in America?

Following the Belmont Derby, the Crisford team indicated that Title Role will likely stay in the US rather than immediately returning to Europe.

Ed Crisford revealed that discussions with the owners would determine the colt's next target, but suggested American racing fits him well. "Hopefully, we can keep him for another race, and then he's going to stay in America. He'll suit America."

With wins in Dubai, Germany and now the US on his resume, Title Role has established himself as one of Europe's most accomplished international three-year-olds, while proving his versatility to succeed on racing's biggest stages.