 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has unveiled the likely fields for the 2024 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Amongst the fourteen runners for the US$20m Group one event on Saturday, 24th February, five horses from the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic feature, including representatives from the USA, Japan, Ireland and Saudi Arabia. White Abarrio, the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, will renew his rivalry with four of his vanquished combatants from the Santa Anita shakedown.
The Japanese runner-up Derma Sotogake will be one of his opponents. The fourteen runners will represent various countries like Japan, Ireland, the USA and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
White Abarrio, trained by Rick Dutrow Jnr, won the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November. He will sport new colours on Saudi Cup night following a part-purchase of the 5YO by prolific local owner, Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and will be recognised during the race by the Prince’s familiar red colours with white epaulettes. The 1800-metre event will feature stars like Japan’s Ushba Tesoro, the 2023 Group one Dubai World Cup champion, Todd Fincher-trained Senor Buscador, and Brad Cox’s Saudi Crown, owned by Saudi’s Faisal AlQhatani of FMQ Stables.
The Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint has also assembled a stellar field of 14, with Bathrat Leon back to defend his crown for Japan after he struck last year for trainer Yoshito Yahagi. The Howden Neom Turf Cup, which has been elevated to Group two status, has entries from Qatar, the UK, Japan, Bahrain, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Cup race meeting has progressed since its inauguration in 2020, with an increase in prize money and the upgrades to the Ministry of Culture Al Mneefah Cup, the Howden Neom Turf Cup and the Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint. The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia aims to promote and develop racing domestically and contribute to the long-term future of racing on the international stage.
HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, is looking forward to hosting these incredible equine athletes at King Abdulaziz Racecourse and putting on a showcase of international racing for the domestic audience in Riyadh and the wider watching world.