UAE Derby
In 2002, Moon Ballad began the year racing at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in his owner's native Dubai. He won his first outing then finished fourth to Essence of Dubai in the 2002 UAE Derby. Back in England his race-riding duties were taken over by jockey Jamie Spencer. In May they ran second in a Listed stakes race at Newmarket then won the G-2 Dante Stakes at York Racecourse before finishing third to High Chaparral in June's Epsom Derby. In September, Moon Ballad won the G-3 Select Stakes and in October ran second in the G-1 Champion Stakes.