Saudi Arabia reveals $17m horse-racing championship
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced a new horse-racing championship with prizes totaling more than $17 million that would make it one of the sport’s richest events.
The King Abdulaziz Horse Championship will rival the Kentucky Derby in size and attract competitors from the US, the UK and Japan, the government’s General Sports Authority said, without saying when the first run would be held.
Riyadh is keen to develop its sports industry as part of reforms to diversify the economy beyond oil exports and create a more modern, dynamic society.
The horse championship was a way for the Kingdom to share its “historic and cultural legacy” with the world, the sports authority said in the statement.
Last year’s Dubai World Cup offered a $10-million prize for its top race, although media reported prizes for the entire event totalled $30 million. The 2018 Pegasus World Cup Invitational in Florida had a $16 million purse.
Meanwhile, Godolphin are targeting Avery Island for the Kentucky Derby following victory in the Group Three Withers Stakes over nine furlongs on dirt at Aqueduct, US, on Saturday.
“It was a great win with Avery Island and we are on the road to the first Saturday in May for the Kentucky Derby with him,” said trainer Kiaran McLaughin.
Jockey Jose Bravo added: “The best horse won and he has overcome a lot. It was shame he got beat in his previous start, but he learned plenty and it really helped us out. He is just beautiful. He is just learning to enjoy the game — he knows it is a horserace and when he turns for home and then gets to the eighth pole it is a special feeling.”