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| Staff Writer |
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Behind the glitz and glamour of the two-day US$38.1m Saudi Cup meeting, a meticulous operation unfolds under the watchful eye of Rion Hitchener, Chief Steward of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia. Led by Steward’s Committee Chairman, Mukhlid Alotaibi, Hitchener and his colleagues preside over more than 700 races as part of the Riyadh Racing Season at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. With nearly 25 years of stewarding experience, Hitchener's journey from aspiring jockey to one of racing's most respected officials offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex world of racing integrity, where decisions made in the stewards’ room can impact millions in prize money and the sport's reputation.
"My family has a long-standing connection with horse racing, spanning nearly 50 years, . Several relatives were successful horse trainers, with some having won Group One races."Hitchener reflects.
Like many in the industry, Hitchener's initial dreams centered around becoming a jockey. However, as nature had other plans, a fortuitous suggestion from a family friend whose son was a steward set him on a different path. "At 14, I began attending race meetings to observe the stewards in action, and from that point, I was hooked," he shares.
Born and raised in Australia, Hitchener cut his teeth officiating at prestigious events like the Magic Millions race day. "The most prominent event I officiated in Australia was the Magic Millions race day, which features races with minimum prize pools of US$1 million. In comparison, though, to the Saudi Cup's US$38.1m prize, it is relatively modest," he notes.
Preparing for an event of the Saudi Cup's magnitude requires meticulous attention to detail. "For a major event like the Saudi Cup, many horses travel internationally, so we closely monitor their travel arrangements and quarantine procedures," Hitchener explains. "All horses must undergo pre-race veterinary examinations, which we coordinate and observe alongside our veterinary team. Additionally, visiting trainers and jockeys from overseas need to be licensed, which involves liaising with other jurisdictions worldwide."
A typical race day begins well before the first horses reach the track. "We arrive at the track approximately 2.5 hours before the first race," Hitchener reveals. "As a team, we confirm which horses are not racing and identify those selected for pre-race anti-doping testing. We review any notes related to horses of particular interest and collaborate with the veterinary team to assess the fitness of the horses as they arrive."
The Saudi Cup's world-class facilities have revolutionised how stewards maintain racing integrity. "Our stewarding panel has access to up to 10 high-definition camera angles, including drone footage," Hitchener explains. "The surveillance capabilities here in Saudi Arabia are among the best in the world, and I believe they set a benchmark that many other jurisdictions envy."
This technological arsenal, combined with experience, creates a powerful tool for maintaining racing integrity. "As I approach my 25th year as a steward, I believe that experience allows you to develop a certain intuition," Hitchener reflects. "I can often anticipate what will happen during a race before they even happen based on patterns I've seen in the past. However, the beauty of racing is that it's ever evolving, and there's always something new to learn."
The role demands constant vigilance, particularly when it comes to riding infractions. "Think of it as cars driving down the highway, and if someone cuts off another car, it could potentially cause an accident," he explains. "It is no different in a horse race. If a jockey cuts someone off and creates a potentially dangerous situation, then we will take action. Being a jockey is an extremely dangerous occupation, and we treat careless riding very seriously."
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Hitchener leads a diverse team of six stewards at the Saudi Cup. "We have three Saudi Arabians who possess invaluable local knowledge and experience of racing in the country gained over many years in the business," he explains. "I work alongside two other expatriate stewards who bring international experience to our team. Together, we are committed to enhancing Saudi Arabia's racing jurisdiction, striving to make it one of the world's leading racing authorities."
The international nature of the Saudi Cup brings its unique challenges. "As an expatriate living in Saudi Arabia and not speaking fluent Arabic, I find the Saudi Cup easier to officiate, as most international riders speak English," Hitchener notes. "For those who don't, they often have translators, which helps smooth communication."
Looking ahead, Hitchener sees technology playing an increasingly important role. "I believe artificial intelligence and automated systems will significantly impact the role of stewards in the future," he predicts. "Technologies that can detect whip infractions, ensure proper horse identification, and monitor race conditions will streamline the stewarding process. It's not a matter of if, but when these innovations will be adopted."
However, some aspects of stewarding remain constant. "The biggest challenge is preparing for the unexpected," he explains. "The race itself, whether it has a US$20,000 or US$38.1 million prize money, doesn't change how we assess it. However, with the heightened global attention on events like The Saudi Cup, there's an added pressure to manage everything seamlessly."
After officiating at one Saudi Cup meeting, Hitchener reflects on the experience with satisfaction. "Horse welfare is always our top priority," he emphasises. "The horses are the foundation of our sport, and without them, racing cannot exist. While humans involved in the industry have a voice, the horses do not. As stewards, we are responsible for advocating for their well-being and ensuring that their health and safety are safeguarded at all times."
For Hitchener, the rewards of the role transcend the prestige of the event. "The most rewarding aspect is knowing that you've contributed to running a world-class international event," he concludes. "Ultimately, our role is to ensure the safety of the horses and jockeys, and at the end of The Saudi Cup meeting, if we have achieved that, we walk away knowing we've done our job well. The sense of accomplishment from ensuring a safe and successful event is incredibly fulfilling."
As the Saudi Cup continues to grow in prominence on the global racing calendar, Hitchener's role becomes increasingly pivotal. His journey from watching stewards as a teenager in Australia to overseeing racing's richest event exemplifies the evolution of the sport itself – embracing technological advancement while maintaining the traditional values of integrity and horse welfare. Under his stewarding leadership, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia is not just hosting a US$38.1million race day; it's setting new standards for racing integrity in the modern era. With his experienced eye on the track and his team's commitment to excellence, the future of racing in the Kingdom appears to be in safe hands, ensuring that as prize money grows and international competition intensifies, the sport's core values remain protected for generations to come.