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| Staff Writer |
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Sultan Almaymuni, a young and talented jockey from Saudi Arabia, has been making waves in the world of horse racing.
With his recent victory in the Prix International Cities - European Association of Racing Schools (EARS) international jockeys apprentice race in Deauville, France, he has shown immense promise and determination in his career.
For any athlete, representing their nation on a global stage is a dream come true, and for Sultan, it was no different.
“I felt enormous pride in representing my beloved country, Saudi Arabia,” said Almaymuni
His selection marked a significant milestone in his racing career and showcased his dedication to the sport. He also acknowledged that competing against jockeys from various countries in the international race presented its own set of challenges. However, he embraced the opportunity to test his skills against the best in the world.
Winning an international competition is a dream come true for any athlete, and it was a moment of immense pride and accomplishment for him.
“The final 200 meters was the most challenging moment of the race and the most rewarding part of the race was crossing the finish line as a winner,” said Almaymuni
Sultan's experience in Deauville was not just about winning but also a valuable learning opportunity.
“I learned a lot, especially how to ride a track clockwise, which is the opposite of how we ride in the Kingdom,” he said.
This adaptability and his hunger for success and continuous improvement stand as a hallmark of Almaymuni being a dedicated athlete.
“After achieving the victory in Deauville, my enthusiasm increased to represent my country again and to have my name associated with another international victory,” he said.
Sultan has some valuable advice for young jockeys aspiring to compete in international races - "Maintain your weight and your morning training, have patience, and accept the challenge."
Sultan also shared his thoughts on the horse racing scene in Saudi Arabia. He acknowledged the tremendous efforts made to make Saudi racing competitive internationally, citing The Saudi Cup as a prime example.
“With great efforts, Saudi racing has become quite competitive with the international racing scene, the Saudi Cup is a good example of such developments,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for support, development, and the presence of strong horses, essential to attracting international attention.
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Sultan revealed that his role model is his father, who began his career as a jockey and has now become a trainer. The youngster also shared that he has a strong connection with a horse named Mirqab. This bond, he explained, helps him understand his horse better during races. Knowing what his horse wants and understanding its level compared to other participants can make a crucial difference in the outcome of a race.
When asked about the future of racing in Saudi Arabia, Sultan aspires to see Saudi Arabia recognised as a racing industry leader, globally, signifying the country's prominence and excellence in the sport.
Representing his homeland with pride, he has achieved remarkable success on the international stage and is poised for even more significant accomplishments in the years to come. His story inspires young jockeys aspiring to make their mark in the world of horse racing in Saudi Arabia and beyond.