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| Staff Writer |
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North America's oldest Thoroughbred auction house, Fasig-Tipton, is strengthening its partnership with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia by expanding its best turned-out initiative at the Saudi Cup meeting. The programme now encompasses 16 races across both days of the world's richest racing festival at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, with grooms receiving US$2,666 for the feature race.
The expanded format includes major races such as the US$2 million Obaiyah Arabian Classic, US$1.5 million Al Mneefah Cup, and Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint. Further prestigious events carrying turnout awards are the Gr.3 Saudi Derby, Jockey Club Local Handicap, Saudi International Handicap, and Sarawat Cup. The International Jockeys' Challenge rounds feature individual rewards across all four contests.
Leading the Fasig-Tipton sales graduates contingent is Eclipse Award winner Straight No Chaser, who captured the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Sprint. The champion sprinter is targeting the Gr.2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint. Fellow graduates include Alkhansaa in the Fillies Mile, while Scotland Yard, E J Won The Cup, and Alwaqqad contest the Tuwaiq Cup.
The US$38.1 million festival has drawn international participation from 15 nations, stretching from the United States to Hong Kong. The centrepiece remains the US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup, complemented by prestigious events including the US$2.5 million Gr.2 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap and US$2 million Gr.2 Howden Neom Turf Cup.
Christopher Bevan, chief commercial officer of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said: "We are delighted to once again team up with Fasig-Tipton to reward the hardest-working people in the racing industry—the stable staff. It is a pleasure to welcome Fasig-Tipton back to King Abdulaziz Racecourse for a second year in a row."
Boyd Browning, Fasig-Tipton's president and chief executive officer, added: "The Saudi Cup continues to excel on the global stage and Fasig-Tipton is thrilled and honored to take part in one of the world's great race meetings, especially with so many horsemen in the region having supported Fasig-Tipton. We are thankful to the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia for not only being part of our growing relationship with the Middle East, but also for allowing us to reward those who work so hard taking such care of these great athletes."
The festival commences on Friday at 4 p.m. local time, with Saturday's card beginning at 3 p.m. The Saudi Cup headlines the finale at 8:40 p.m.