 |
|
| Superadmin |
 |
As the Saudi Arabian racing scene gallops onto the world stage, young bloodstock Naif Al Suliman is firmly entrenched in its exciting journey. Driven by a lifelong passion for horses and a keen business acumen, Al Suliman is not just witnessing the transformation; he’s shaping it.
Naif Al Suliman’s love for horses isn’t simply a hobby; it’s woven into the fabric of his family history. With his father boasting a 40-year legacy in the breeding industry, Al Suliman’s journey began at the tender age of five, accompanying his father to farms and horse sales. This early exposure ignited a spark, propelling him towards his entrepreneurial ventures.
Witnessing the burgeoning bloodstock scene in Saudi Arabia, Al Suliman saw a void he was determined to fill. In 2023, he launched his bloodstock agency, swiftly becoming the leader in horse transportation within the kingdom. Within the first year, he facilitated the purchase of over 110 horses globally, a testament to his dedication and business prowess. Al Suliman Stud, boasting over 25 mares, ranks as one of Saudi Arabia’s premier breeding facilities.
“Each year,” Al Suliman explained, “we meticulously select and acquire 30 to 20 mares from the United States and Europe.” These carefully chosen mares are then bred, with their offspring presented at the annual yearling sale, consistently generating over two million dollars in revenue.
“Our primary focus,” Al Suliman emphasized, “is introducing superior bloodlines to Saudi Arabia. This meticulous selection involves prioritizing top mares, particularly those with proven success within the kingdom.” This strategic approach has solidified Al Suliman Stud’s position as the leading yearling sales farm in Saudi Arabia, a testament to their unwavering commitment to breeding excellence.
A typical day at Al Suliman Stud commences at 3:00 AM with tending to the mares. Ensuring their comfort in the cool morning air, the team provides them with feed and leads them to their stalls. After verifying their well-being and eating adequately, the mares are meticulously groomed before being released into their stalls for relaxation and feeding. The afternoon sees them enjoying the outdoor paddock, followed by dedicated training sessions for both yearlings and weanlings, focusing on essential skills like walking and self-grooming. This meticulous daily routine underscores the unwavering commitment and dedication invested in the horses at Al Suliman Stud.
 |
Driven by the ambition to elevate the standard of breeding in Saudi Arabia, Naif Al Suliman embarked on a mission to acquire a stallion of exceptional pedigree. “Improving breeding marketing in Saudi Arabia was our primary objective,” he explained, acknowledging the inherent challenges such an endeavour presented.
Bradester, a Group One winner and champion of the prestigious Stephen Foster Handicap, captured Al Suliman’s attention. “His illustrious bloodline speaks for itself,” Al Suliman remarked, highlighting the horse’s impressive ancestry, which boasts renowned names like Lion Heart and Grandestofall.
He ranked as the top Texas sire for three years, a testament to his exceptional breeding potential.
Bradester won 10 of 26 starts during his on-track career for US$1,196,332. His six stakes wins were highlighted by a score in the Group One Stephen Foster Handicap as a 6YO. However, Al Suliman was acutely aware of the complexities of acquiring such a stallion.
“Developing a horse with his pedigree is no simple matter,” he emphasized. Despite the influx of stallions in recent years, Al Suliman stressed on the immense challenge of identifying genuinely elite sires.
‘It’s difficult to identify the strong sire and group one horse because, of the 40 winners in the US, ten are of the black type. We examined Bradester’s lineage when we first inspected him, and the results gave us a plus of 90% positive results.,” he pointed out.
The search ultimately led to Valour Farm, where Bradester was successfully brought to Saudi Arabia. The stallion’s arrival has generated significant buzz within the equine community, with enthusiasts eager to witness his presence and capture the moment. “He’s already a crowd favourite,” Al Suliman observed with a hint of satisfaction. “We’re hopeful for his continued success.” This meticulous approach to breeding, exemplified by the acquisition of Bradester, underscores Al Suliman’s unwavering commitment to propelling Saudi Arabian racing to new heights. His passion and strategic vision pave the way for a future brimming with equine excellence.
When selecting stallions, Al Suliman focuses on proven winners with exceptional pedigrees. Similarly, he prioritises conformation and overall health for foals, selecting only those with the potential for top performance.
Evaluating horses for racing potential, Naif Al Suliman prioritises “confirmation on the animal,” he affirmed.
“When I purchase horses,” he elaborated, “they must be healthy, walk well, exhibit no X-ray concerns, have good strength, and demonstrate a strong trot.” His meticulous selection process is evident in his recent acquisition of three yearlings at the Tattersalls October sale.
“Throughout the entire sale,” he emphasised, “these were the only ones that met my criteria. If something doesn’t resonate with me, don’t buy it.”
This unwavering commitment to specific physical attributes underscores his astute approach to identifying future racing champions.
Among his recent acquisitions, Al Suliman purchased Manciata d’Oro at the Keeneland November sale for US$160,000. He anticipates this future champion will perform well in the upcoming Saudi Cup weekend and become a valuable stallion in Saudi Arabia.
Al Suliman views Saudi Arabian racing as on a meteoric ascent, poised to rival the best in the world within two years. He attributes this success to the hefty prize money and the diverse participation of international horses, jockeys, and trainers. He points to the establishment of the Saudi Cup, spearheaded by HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid al-Faisal, as a game changer. This prestigious race has attracted top talent from around the globe, showcasing the burgeoning Saudi racing scene on a global stage.
While Al Suliman is naturally excited about the participation of Manciata d’Oro in the upcoming Saudi Cup weekend, he confidently places his bet on National Treasure to take home the ultimate US$20 million glory.
Al Suliman also highlights the King AbdulAziz Cup, a new competition designed for 3YO Saudi-bred horses, mirroring the spirit of the Kentucky Derby. Offering substantial prize money of 5 million riyals, this event further underscores the commitment to fostering local talent and elevating the overall landscape of Saudi Arabian racing.
Naif Al Suliman is not just a participant in the Saudi Arabian racing revolution; he’s a driving force. His passion, strategic thinking, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him a key player in shaping the future of this dynamic equestrian scene. As we approach the highly anticipated Saudi Cup 2024, the world will be watching, eager to witness the next chapter in this remarkable story.
By Dean McHugh