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| Staff Writer |
Jimmy Jerkens, the multiple Grade One-winning American trainer, is gearing up for his second season at the helm of Prince Faisal Bin Khalid Bin Abdulaziz's racing operation in Saudi Arabia. With a string of high-profile acquisitions and a year of local experience under his belt, Jerkens is setting ambitious targets for the 2024-2025 season, including a tilt at the top races during the prestigious Saudi Cup meeting.
Jerkens' transition to Saudi racing has been impressive. The highlight came when My Frankel clinched the domestic Group One Crown Prince Cup, setting a solid foundation for the stable's future ambitions.
“I have 40 to 50 horses, which is not a lot of horses, but I have most of the imported horses,” said Jerkens, adding, "We've got a nice bunch of horses. I've had some great support from my owner, and very good support from the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia."
This early success is particularly noteworthy given the challenges of adapting to a new racing jurisdiction. Jerkens' ability to hit the ground running speaks volumes about his skill as a trainer and the quality of horses at his disposal.
Prince Faisal's Najd Stud has been active in the global bloodstock market, making significant purchases at key sales. A standout acquisition was Music Critic, a Maclean's Music colt secured for US$650,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.
A global approach to bloodstock acquisition reflects the ambition of Prince Faisal's operation. By casting a wide net, they aim to secure top-class talent capable of competing at the highest levels of international racing.
Despite the influx of new talent, Jerkens faces challenges preparing his charges for the upcoming season. Music Critic, one of the high-profile purchases, has experienced some setbacks.
"He started training but it looks like he has immature knees," Jerkins revealed. "It looks like he's going to need more time to develop."
Similarly, Tireless, another American import, has been slow to adapt. However, Jerkens remains optimistic: "I'm confident in both of them. When they get there, they'll do good things."
These setbacks highlight the unpredictable nature of training young Thoroughbreds, especially when transitioning them to a new racing environment. Jerkens' patient approach and confidence in his horses' abilities demonstrate his experienced hand in managing such challenges.
With the 2025 Saudi Cup meeting on the horizon, Jerkens is carefully plotting his approach to the world's richest race meeting. While specific targets remain under wraps, the trainer remained cautious, saying, "We haven't really run horses enough yet to figure that out. I wish we were a little deeper at the three-year-old division, which, unfortunately, we aren't yet."
Jerkens is particularly optimistic about Grocer Jack, a former Listed winner on turf in the UK. "Grocer Jack had his first run for me back in October when he finished second in the JCSA Award," Jerkens said. After a few hurdles thereafter, Jerkens added, "We got him back on track.”
“We waited for the turf and he happened to run really well to win the Neom Turf Cup qualifier." However, in the 2024 Saudi Cup meeting, Grocer Jack finished 6th in the Gr.2 Neom Turf Cup.
“He runs much better on grass than dirt. We don’t want to over-race him, of course, but we do want to get some races into him before the season starts.
I thought his race (The Neom Turf Cup) was very good. Unfortunately, he likes to run on the lead, but we were forced to ease him back early in the race.
I thought that went against him slightly in terms of how he likes to run. So, it took away a little bit from his performance. But I thought he ran very well anyway. He wasn't beaten by much.
“We will try to have a good season with him again this year,” he said.
Jerkens also had other runners at the meeting: Finest Sound finished 4th, and My Frankel was runner-up in the Saudi International Handicap, while First Minister finished 6th in the Gr.3 Red Sea Turf Handicap.
“I was very proud of him (My Frankel). He only ran three times the whole season, but they were very good efforts. He won the Crown Prince Cup, and he finished a good second in the Saudi International Handicap. So, it's the same plan with him this year.
Unfortunately, we've had some foot problems with him that we're dealing with right now. It shouldn't take too long.
Once we get him back on track, I'm sure he won't take long. He's got a lot of class, and I'm confident he'll get there,” said Jerkens.
Looking ahead to the new season, Jerkens remains cautious about making specific plans, preferring to let the horses dictate their schedules. He's clearly focused on building a strong foundation for future success rather than making bold predictions about immediate triumphs.
Jerkens' experience in Saudi Arabia has necessitated adjustments to his training methods, particularly as the stable is currently based in Taif for the summer racing season.
"The track here in Taif is very demanding," Jerkens noted. "It takes a lot of work for the horses to get ready for big races first time out."
He's learned to be patient, often using races as part of the fitness-building process. "Last year, no matter what I did in the morning with the horses, I thought they were ready, and then they got tired, and they needed another start," he reflected.
Jerkens is set to return to his main base in Riyadh once the weather becomes more suitable for racing there. This seasonal shift between racing venues is a unique aspect of Saudi Arabian racing that Jerkens has had to adapt to in his new role.
As the son of Hall of Fame trainer H. Allen Jerkens, Jimmy is bringing decades of American racing experience to bear on these unique challenges of Saudi racing. His ability to adapt to the seasonal shifts between Taif and Riyadh and the different track conditions showcases the depth of his horsemanship and flexibility as a trainer. This adaptability is crucial for success in the Saudi racing calendar, which spans both venues.
Moving from the familiar surroundings of New York to Saudi Arabia has presented Jerkens with personal challenges. "Riyadh is a little better, because when you go into Riyadh, things are a little more familiar from what I know from back home in America," he said.
However, he's found positives in both environments. "Taif, it's a little old fashioned, but the weather's nice. The mornings and the evenings here are just really beautiful," he reflects.
As the 2024-2025 season approaches, Jerkens is balancing ambition with realism. While excited about the potential of his new acquisitions, he is cautious about making bold predictions.
"We haven't done any gallops with any of our horses," he explained. "We don't try and chase any specific race days, because that leads to mistakes. We let the horses tell us when they are ready."
This patient, horse-centric approach has been a hallmark of Jerkens' career, from his days as a leading trainer in New York to his new adventure in Saudi Arabia. With a stable full of promising talent and a successful first season behind him, Jerkens is poised for what could be his most exciting year yet in Saudi racing.
The coming months will be crucial as Jerkens works to bring his new acquisitions to peak fitness. The development of horses like Music Critic, My Frankel, Grocer Jack, and Tireless will be closely watched, as their progress could be key to the stable's success in major races.
If Jerkens can build on the success of his first season, translating high-profile purchases into racetrack victories, it could mark a significant shift in the balance of power in Saudi racing.
As the countdown to Saudi’s 2024-2025 season begins, all eyes will be on Jerkens and Prince Faisal's operation, watching to see if their international investments and strategic planning will translate into success on the world stage. The American trainer's blend of experienced horsemanship and willingness to adapt to new challenges makes him a formidable presence in the Saudi racing scene.
The story of Jimmy Jerkens in Saudi Arabia is more than just a trainer seeking new challenges. It's a testament to the globalisation of Thoroughbred racing, the ambitions of emerging racing powers like Saudi Arabia, and the enduring importance of skilled horsemanship in an increasingly international sport. As the new season unfolds, the racing world will watch closely how this American trainer fares in his quest for Saudi Cup glory.