The Saudi Cup 2025 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh showcased thrilling performances and significant victories, solidifying its status as a premier event in international horse racing.
Key Highlights:
- Opening Victory: Portuguese jockey Ricardo Sousa, who has been based in Spain for 13 years, secured his first win at the Saudi Cup meeting. Riding Ameerat Alzamaan, owned by Prince Faisal Bin Khaled, Sousa triumphed in the Fillies Mile, a race for Saudi-bred fillies. This victory earned him a prize of $25,000.
- International Jockey’s Challenge: The event featured the International Jockey’s Challenge, bringing together 14 top jockeys from around the world, including notable names like Christophe Soumillon, John Velazquez, Hollie Doyle, Oisin Murphy, and James McDonald. Despite a strong start, Sousa did not score points in this challenge, which was ultimately won by local jockey Muhammad Aldaham.
- Spanish Participation: The festival also saw participation from Spanish-trained horse Alcaraz, trained by Guillermo Arizkorreta and ridden by Silvestre da Souza, in the International Handicap. Competing against horses from Italy and Qatar, Alcaraz aimed to improve upon previous performances by Spanish-trained horses in this event.
- Main Event – The Saudi Cup: The centerpiece of the festival, the Saudi Cup, offered a staggering $20 million in prize money, attracting elite horses and jockeys from around the globe.
The Saudi Cup 2025 not only provided exhilarating races but also highlighted the global nature of horse racing, bringing together talent from various countries and offering substantial rewards.
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