Ryan Moore will feature in the Jockeys' Challenge for the first time in its brief history. The veteran reinsman, who was recognized as the Longines World's Best Jockey in Hong Kong last December, is one of five male participants based overseas, alongside the defending champion Luis Saez from the United States, Maxime Guyon from France and Japan's Ryusei Sakai.

Legendary Australian jockey Damien Oliver, the last of the overseas invitees, officially retired from the saddle Dec. 16, taking a Group 3 race named in his honour at Ascot in his hometown of Perth in Western Australia. But similar to his compatriot Glen Boss in 2022, Oliver–a three-time winner of the G1 Melbourne Cup–will pause his retirement to take part in the event, which is worth US$30,000 to the winner from a total pool of US$100,000. Oliver will look to add to the 3,168 winners he rode during an illustrious 34-year career in the saddle.

Eight-times Saudi champion Camilo Ospina and current titleholder Adel Alfouraidi round out the line-up for the males.

New Zealand's Lisa Allpress made history in 2020 when becoming the first female to win a race in Saudi Arabia, and the four-time leading rider returns to Riyadh for another crack. Australasia is also set to be represented by the Sydney-based Alysha Collett. America's Katie Davis makes her debut in the event and will be joined by South Africa's Rachel Venniker, Victoria Mota from Brazil, French jockey Maryline Eon and Great Britain's Saffie Osborne, the daughter of trainer Jamie Osborne, who was part of the female team that emerged victorious at last year's Shergar Cup at Ascot.

“The jockeys challenge on the Friday of Saudi Cup weekend is always one of the event highlights for me,” said HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia. We are justifiably proud of the variety of racing showcased across the two days. To be in a position to offer a global stage to 14 of the world's best jockeys, seven men and seven women, is highly gratifying.

“We wish the best of luck to all the jockeys competing and hope that their feats on the racecourse serve to inspire new generations of riders both in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Great excitement at #TheSaudiCup HQ today – we received a personal message from Aussie legend Damian Oliver.

See him in action in #Riyadh for the International Jockeys Challenge on February 23!#SaudiRacing #SaudiCup #GOAT

https://t.co/h6OOv9XP1h@Racing @WHR pic.twitter.com/mM5Mwj2uON

— The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) February 3, 2024

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The event will be held the day before the $20 million Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack on Feb. 25, and sponsored for a third year by platinum partner, stc, the digital enabler in the telecommunication industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which continues in its aim of supporting the field of sports in KSA.

Pyfer (23), who only began riding in September 2020, notched an impressive 59 winners from 557 rides in her second full season as a jockey in 2021, amassing prize money of $2.8 million.

Her achievements in such a short time have seen her nominated for an Eclipse Award, which recognizes the achievements of a wide range of horses and participants from across the American Thoroughbred industry.

After being confirmed for the IJC, Pyfer said: “I am super excited! It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I've only been race-riding for about a year-and-a-half and have never competed outside of the US, so for an opportunity like this to come along is pretty cool.

“I've spoken to Mike Smith, who I know has ridden in Saudi a lot, and he just told me that I'll have the time of my life, so I couldn't be more excited.

“My season has been amazing so far and I couldn't have ever imagined that I'd be where I am now, with both an invite to the International Jockeys Challenge at The Saudi Cup and a nomination for an Eclipse Award.

“It will be amazing to line up against so many great jockeys, and a pleasure to ride alongside some of the world's best female jockeys who I've always looked up to.”

Joining the up-and-coming US star is Argentine rider Andrea Marinhas, who began her career in the US and is now based between the States and her native Argentina.

Marinhas (40) currently has 94 career wins to her name, with 15 of those coming this season, 11 in Argentina and four in the US.

Marinhas said: “I'm so pleased to have been invited. The first thing that came to my mind was I could be riding with many of my favourite jockeys! It will be a beautiful experience!

“My season has been great. I lead the national and La Plata racecourse female jockeys' statistics with 18 winners and an 18% strike-rate, so it's great to get some international recognition. The opportunity to compete against some of the world's best in Saudi is massive for me.”

Pyfer and Marinhas are the second and third female jockeys confirmed to ride in the IJC, after the UK's Hayley Turner, and will be joined by a further four female riders.

Seven male jockeys – five international and two home-based riders – will make up the 14 strong IJC field, with last year's winner Shane Foley and Australia's Glen Boss already confirmed.

The stc International Jockeys Challenge features four $400,000 handicaps, with a further $100,000 for the challenge itself and riders receiving 15 percent of prize money won.

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“I broke my thumb which sidelined me for seven weeks, so it was nice to get back with a winner,” said Turner. “It was a bit frustrating–I'd pulled up on one of David Simcock's horses after the line and he just fell over. It was just one of those unlucky things. But it was nice to have a good break and I'm happy to be riding again now. It was good to ride a winner and get off the mark.”

Turner's return victory was also aboard a Simcock horse, the 4-year-old gelding Race Card (GB) (Kingman {GB}). Turner, who is a multiple winner of the Silver Saddle award at Ascot's Shergar Cup, said she is looking forward to another jockeys' competition.

“I like these jockeys' challenges, and riding at the Saudi Cup meeting will be a great experience,” she said. “I don't really make massive plans–I just try to ride as many winners as I can, really. I feel I have plenty of support from some good trainers and am looking forward to the rest of the all-weather season and the new Flat season.”

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Last year's winner Shane Foley returns to defend his crown and Hayley Turner, the first female jockey in Britain to ride 100 winners in a calendar year, will also take her place in the line-up of seven female and seven male riders.

Boss (52), best known for winning three straight Melbourne Cups with Makybe Diva, as well as an astonishing 90 Group 1s in a glittering career, is looking forward to his return to race riding:

“I feel privileged and honored to be a part of the 2022 International Jockeys Challenge at The Saudi Cup,” said Boss. “I am extremely grateful to be representing Australia on the international stage and am eagerly looking forward to my arrival in Saudi Arabia for their prestigious carnival.”

“I have watched the rapid rise of this meeting in recent years, highlighted by the diverse international participation and significant prize purse on offer. To be able to participate in 2022 as a representative of Australia fills me with great pride and I very much look forward to being a part of it.”

Foley (33) won this year's stc International Jockeys Challenge and as the reigning champion is invited back to compete again.

“I really enjoyed my first International Jockeys Challenge,” said Foley. “It was a pleasure to ride against some great jockeys and I thought the track rode very well. It's nice to see them including the turf in this year's event, which might even give the European jockeys a bit of an edge.

“I knew after reading through the form last year that I had a couple of okay rides and it really is down to the luck of the draw in these jockey challenges. I got a few good chances, and it all went well for me thankfully. You need to get drawn on the good horses.

“I'm having an operation on my hip this week and so will be out of action for about six weeks, but I should be back riding and ready to go a good fortnight before the meeting.

“The prize money is brilliant, and you just have to see the list of jockeys that go out there to gauge how important it is for us. It's nice to be competing alongside them all and the likes of Saudi, Dubai and Bahrain are the places we need to be during the winter.

“I know Jessie [Harrington] will be aiming a couple for the Saturday too, including Ever Present in the Red Sea Turf and possibly Confident Star in the Saudi Derby, so it would be nice to have some rides on Saudi Cup day too.”

Turner (38) is one of Britain's most successful female jockeys and is also excited about the challenge, especially as she's had a spell on the sidelines after breaking her thumb.

“This will be my first time riding in Saudi and I'm really looking forward to it,” said Turner. “Hollie [Doyle] rode out there this year and I've spoken to a few others who have said it's a really nice track to ride.

“Apparently it's a bit like Belmont Park and I've ridden there a few times before. It's exciting to be part of The Saudi Cup meeting, it's been attracting a lot of people. The prize money is amazing so it's easy to see why.

“I always enjoy riding in jockey challenges. I've taken part in quite a few – Mauritius, South Africa, Japan, Ireland and France – and obviously the Shergar Cup is one of my favorites. It will be nice to tick another one off the list.

“I'm staying in the UK this winter. I've had a great year, but it got cut short a bit when I broke my thumb at Wolverhampton a few weeks ago. I'll be back riding in the next couple of weeks and it will be great to get back out on the track.”

The stc International Jockeys Challenge features four handicap races being run for $400,000 each, with a further $100,000 prize fund for the challenge itself.

This year one race over 1200m will be run on turf for the first time and all races will consist of 14 runners and five reserves, with all 14 jockeys riding in each race.

The jockeys are made up of seven international female riders, five international men and two local men with the jockeys receiving 15% of prize money won.

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Foley beat just three home in the opening leg of the challenge, which was won by Mike Smith, who was deputizing for jockey John Velazquez whose trip to Saudi was dashed on account of travel-related issues. Foley turned things around in the next race, however, navigating Emblem Star (Take Charge Indy) from the extreme outside gate 14 to take up a handy position before kicking clear by four lengths. Foley made it a double in the next with Motawariyah (KSA) (Fong's Thong), who similarly exited gate 13, and although he was unplaced in the final race his lead was safe, with his closest pursuer Smith finishing fourth. After sealing the championship, Foley paid tribute to the late Pat Smullen.

“It's fantastic to be involved, and maybe I wouldn't be here if Pat Smullen was here,” Foley said. “He'd have probably got the invite as he was the go-to man and it's days like today that make you think of Pat, but he'd be proud of me I think.”

Of the event, he added, “When you're competing in these races it's a random draw, so you've a chance of getting on a fancied horse and I was lucky enough to draw two that had chances. I had a nice run around on both of them and they both won. I know they're not group races, but it's on the big stage with a lot of people watching and obviously good for your career. It's up there was one of the most enjoyable nights I've had for a while.”

Saudi rider Adel Alfouradi won the final leg of the challenge, giving him enough points for second, while Mike Smith, who is in town to ride Charlatan (Speightstown) in the Saudi Cup, was third.

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Fourteen internationally-renowned male and female jockeys from all over the globe took part but it was the Classic-winning Foley, who rides for trainer Jessica Harrington in Ireland, who took Friday night's honors with a total of 30 points for his two wins.

He said: “It's massive to win this. It's a nice break and during a quiet time for us during the winter, so it's nice to get away and get the opportunity. We have a runner tomorrow (Barbados in the Red Sea Turf Handicap), but these challenges are important for young jockeys to get noticed around the world and hopefully it might open a few doors somewhere else.

“We have all-weather racing back home, but it's nothing like the dirt (track) is here. I've ridden in Japan for a couple of winters and ridden in America and it's nice, it's different (to ride on dirt).

“It's great to win and obviously can't do my career any harm. I have a fantastic job at home and Jessica Harrington is a great person to work for who has a fantastic team of horses, so it's all good.

“Pat (Smullen, nine-times Irish champion jockey, who died last September) was massive and travelled and won races all around the world – here, Dubai, everywhere. He would probably be here instead of me representing Ireland if he were still around. He was a fantastic man who's left a big legacy and big boots to fill behind, so we're all trying our best.”

The 32-year-old scored in the second leg on Emblem Star and prompted joyous celebrations among owners Albayraq Stable in the winner's enclosure when the 4-year-old Take Charge Indy colt crossed the finishing line four lengths in front of his rivals.

Foley fired in the second part of his double when the 5-year-old filly Motawariyah was another wide-margin winner in the third leg of the competition.

“It was such a privilege even to be invited here but to be competing and winning – it's the sort of thing you strive for,” said the delighted Irishman. “It's a fantastic racetrack and it's brilliant to be here.”

Victory in the fourth and final leg went to Saudi Arabian jockey Adel Alfouraidi on Zhabi Alhammad, a filly owned by Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdul Aziz, earning the local crowd favorite the runner-up spot overall.

Alfouraidi said: “It means a lot to me. I am one of the Saudi riders and they are all going to be happy for this win, all the Saudi jockeys. She's a good filly and she gave me a lot of help throughout the race. We were all together but I am thanking God that I was able to win it. For me, this is a dream come true.”

He finished second in the jockeys challenge with 25 points – as well as his win, he picked up second place and therefore 15 points in the second leg – with Mike Smith third on 19 points.

The US Hall of Fame jockey Smith, known as 'Big Money Mike' took an early lead in the challenge when he snatched the first leg, sponsored by stc dare, on Mortajeh, having replaced John Velasquez.

Smith, who has a record 26 Breeders' Cup successes to his name and who won the American Triple Crown in 2018 on Justify, said: “They told me Mortajeh was quick and to use it to my advantage. I was called in to substitute at the last minute so I didn't know much about my mounts today, but sometimes when you don't know things, it works out better. It's great.

“I had a great night last time I was here on a Friday night (in 2020). It was so much fun and I wanted to do it again and look, I end up taking Johnny's spot and I was blessed enough to win.”

He continued: “I tell you, I enjoy riding here, I really do. I know I made a few mistakes and I had to pay for them last year and rightly so, but it's good to come back and try to redeem myself and we will see what happens.

“Lessons learned. You learn from big things like that and I learnt a big lesson and I humbled myself a whole lot and then I am ready for tomorrow. I'm very happy to be back and I'm happy to be back with a horse that has an abundance of talent.”

Japan's Nanako Fujita and Sweden's Malin Holmberg tied for fourth with 12 points, and Jessica Marcalis took sixth for Italy with a tally of 11 points.

All the riders, who included the great Frankie Dettori, were delighted to take part in the competition.

Fujita said: “It was a lot of fun. I'm disappointed I didn't win but I hope to be back so I can get revenge.”

Italian jockey Jessica Marcialis said: “It was amazing. The first race was different, it's a style that suits the American jockeys not the Europeans, but in the second race I thought 'I understand'. I didn't know where I was in the competition but I finished with a smile.”

British superstar Hollie Doyle added: “The track rode nice, the kickback was not as bad as you'd expect it to be and it isn't as deep as it looks, either. Obviously I didn't have much luck tonight but it was a good experience.”

Last year's winner, Switzerland's Sibylle Vogt, said: “It wasn't the same as last year but I'm really happy I could come again. I think I did get a third and a sixth but it wasn't for the points. I just wasn't as lucky as last year.”

Brazilian legend Jorge Riccardo said: “This has been a great experience. I am very impressed with the people here who are so nice. The track is spectacular. For me it is one of the best I have ridden on. I have been to many places like France, Brazil, Peru, Chile, the United States, but this is a great track.

“The people are so nice, so friendly and welcoming. I really enjoyed myself here. I am very pleased to have been here. It was very much worth coming here.”

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It won't be a first appearance at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh for the jockey from Puerto Rico:

“I was last in Saudi six or seven years ago and I was very impressed with the track. The dirt was nice and smooth, they did a really good job with it.

“I'm excited to take part in the IJC, it's a fun concept. I did one in Japan once and I also went to a challenge in Turkey. We used to do it in Texas a long time ago as well.”

Velazquez landed a first Breeders' Cup Classic in November with Authentic, the horse who had given him a third Kentucky Derby just two months earlier, but the pilot is no stranger to international success, winning the 2005 Dubai World Cup on Roses In May and the 2017 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot with Lady Aurelia.

“I love these big international races where lots of people come together from all over the world. It's great to meet everyone and I'm just glad to be a part of it,” said Velazquez.

“The Saudi Cup is a great concept and they pulled it off well last year. It's really good for the sport to have the eyes of the world watching this meeting.”

Bill Mott's Tacitus, who finished fifth in the inaugural edition of The Saudi Cup 12 months ago, will be his mount in the world's most valuable race on Saturday 20 February:

“Tacitus ran a good race last year and hopefully we can get a better position in the first part of the race. He is perhaps better over slightly further but he does have the speed to be fairly close to the front runners.

“There are some very good horses to beat like Knicks Go and Charlatan, they look really tough and like to go forward. Hopefully they go too fast and we can sit not too far back before coming down the lane,” he said.

In a career that has spanned over 30 years, it is clear what adding a Saudi Cup to his glittering resume would mean to Velazquez, particularly in the iconic Juddmonte colors:

“It would be incredible. To get your hands on a $20m race – we all dream of that – hopefully Tacitus can do it,” he said.

“Prince Khalid Abdullah has been such a great asset for the sport all around the world and we are all going to miss him.”

This year's stc International Jockeys Challenge takes place on Friday, Feb. 19 – the day before the $20million Saudi Cup. Jockeys will be made up of seven international women, two local men and five international men. The prize money in each of the four races will be $400,000 and there is a $100,000 prize pot for the Challenge with $30,000 going to the winner.

12 of the 14 riders have now been confirmed with the remaining two local jockeys announced soon:

Sibylle Vogt, 25 (SUI)

Jorge Ricardo, 59 (BRA)

Jessica Marcialis, 30 (ITA)

Maria Lujan Asconiga, 27 (ARG)

Nieves Garcia, 43 (SPA)

Cristian Demuro, 28 (ITA)

Nanako Fujita, 23 (JPN)

Malin Holmberg, 30 (SWE)

Shane Foley, 32 (IRE)

William Buick, 32 (UK)

Hollie Doyle, 24 (UK)

John Velazquez, 49 (PR)

For more information on The Saudi Cup including Entries, Past Performances and Where to Watch: www.thesaudicup.com.sa

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Doyle, who will line up alongside 13 other leading jockeys in the IJC, is hoping her recent overseas experiences will stand her in good stead:

“I'm really excited to be riding in Saudi. I've had a few international trips recently, including Hong Kong, America and Bahrain, and it's great that I'm getting to go to these big meetings around the world.

“Competing in the jockey challenge events is really cool as you get to ride alongside some of the world's top athletes. I've only been to some of these places for a short period of time but I've learnt a lot. That's what will hopefully make me a better jockey and I'll keep taking these opportunities with both hands.”

The 24-year-old rider enjoyed a remarkable 2020, riding her first Royal Ascot winner in June, first Group winner in July and first Group 1 success in October – a month that saw her shatter her own British record for a female jockey of 117 winners in a calendar year. Doyle also became the first British female jockey to ride a five-timer in England, a winner on Champions Day at Ascot and a winner in Hong Kong.

“Last year was unbelievable, and when you get a taste of success it makes you want it even more. I've now got even more drive and ambition to succeed in 2021.”

Roger Charlton's Extra Elusive formed part of Doyle's Windsor five-timer, and the two are set to join forces again for a crack at The Saudi Cup, the world's most valuable race at $20m.

“It looks as though Extra Elusive has got into The Saudi Cup, so I'd be really excited about riding him in that on the Saturday. The prize money goes all the way down to tenth so it would be great if he took his chance there and could get amongst it.

“I'd like to think he'll handle the dirt as he goes well on slow ground here in England. I'm not sure how similar it would ride to a slow turf track, but I'd prefer to ride him on the dirt than I would on the turf as you'd imagine it will be slower. The Saudi Cup is only nine furlongs, and we know he stays further than that.

“I could have Albadri on the Saturday too, as I know Jane Chapple-Hyam is hoping to go for the Al Rajhi Bank Saudi Derby after his win at Southwell recently. He's a lightly-raced horse that's going the right way at the moment, but he'll need to take another big step forward to get competitive.”

Extra Elusive's trainer, Charlton, said: “There's been a bit of toing and froing but he's going to run in The Saudi Cup.

“We got an invite to The Saudi Cup that we weren't really expecting and, having discussed it with the owner, he's very keen to run in it. The prize money is so much more than the Middle Distance Turf [Neom Turf Cup] – if you finish tenth in The Saudi Cup, it's the same prize money for finishing second in the turf race.

“Over 1800m they'll go very, very quick and the kickback will be something he hasn't experienced before. We're hoping we can get amongst the money.

“In the past he has inclined to be up at the front making the running – this obviously won't be the case so a wider draw would probably be beneficial to keep him out of the kickback.”

Extra Elusive won two Group 3s – the Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock and Windsor's Winter Hill Stakes – last summer, when Doyle was in the saddle. He was last seen when sixth behind Addeybb in the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.

Charlton added: “He's been pretty consistent and he won his two Group 3s well last year. He was placed in another and the ground wouldn't have suited him in the Champion Stakes but he ran a good, consistent race again.

“My concern is that he hasn't travelled abroad yet and he's a fairly highly-strung individual. It's how he takes a 16-hour journey door-to-door and how he handles the training on the track out there.

“He had a break after the end of last season and the weather hasn't been very helpful to us – we've had snow here twice. He didn't resume exercise until after Christmas and it's been a steady build-up. He does all his training by himself but he seems in good form. It's important that he's in a consistent and steady routine every day.”

This year's stc International Jockeys Challenge takes place on Friday, Feb. 19 – the day before the $20million Saudi Cup. Jockeys will be made up of seven international women, two local men and five international men. The prize money in each of the four races will be $400,000 and there is a $100,000 prize pot for the Challenge with $30,000 going to the winner.

11 of the 14 riders have now been confirmed:

Sibylle Vogt, 25 (SUI)

Jorge Ricardo, 59 (BRA)

Jessica Marcialis, 30 (ITA)

Maria Lujan Asconiga, 27 (ARG)

Nieves Garcia, 43 (SPA)

Cristian Demuro, 28 (ITA)

Nanako Fujita, 23 (JPN)

Malin Holmberg, 30 (SWE)

Shane Foley, 32 (IRE)

William Buick, 32 (UK)

Hollie Doyle, 24 (UK)

For more information on The Saudi Cup including Entries, Past Performances and Where to Watch: www.thesaudicup.com.sa

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Foley, who rode 92 winners in Ireland last year, will be joined by international Group 1-winning jockey William Buick and Sweden's top female jockey, Malin Holmberg, while the likes of Pierre-Charles Boudot, Jessica Marcialis and last year's winner Sibylle Vogt have already been confirmed.

“I really enjoy riding abroad and think it's massively important,” said Foley. “The racing in Saudi Arabia is a big and growing operation as far as owners are concerned, and all it takes is to kick on with one there and you could bring an owner back to Ireland for your stable.”

“I rode in the Japanese Jockeys Challenge in 2018 which was a good experience and I've ridden against some of these jockeys, like Pierre-Charles Boudot and Jessica Marcialis in the Arc and Breeders' Cup weekends. It's nice to be associated with these high-quality names and events and I'm really looking forward to it,” the 32-year-old Irishman added.

Foley is hoping to stay in Saudi for the $30.5million card on the Saturday, as well.

“We have Barbados going for owner Mr Zhang in the Long Distance Turf Handicap on Saturday and if he can reproduce his St Leger run then he will be bang there. I'm just hoping the ground is not really firm. He'll handle nice quick ground but if it gets too firm that will be the only negative, but I've heard the ground last year was beautiful.

“It would be massive and for the owner as well. He's a big supporter of mine and I've been retained by him for the last couple of years. He's always stood by me and he has invested quite heavily in the game. Last year he had his first Group 1 winner with Lucky Vega, and it would be great to have a winner out on Saudi Cup day for him as he's a proud and competitive man.”

Retained Godolphin rider Buick will be familiar with the track at King Abdulaziz Racecourse having ridden at the turf trials in January 2020, and he is very much looking forward to competing this year:

“My first time riding in Saudi was around 12 years ago, I've been in and out since then. Last year I came over for the turf trials which went very well indeed. The Saudi Cup raceday itself was a massive success. There were winners from all over the world and the races were really competitive. For the organizers of a big meeting, that's your dream – competitive racing and a level playing field,” said Buick.

“I'm really looking forward to the International Jockeys' Challenge. I love these competitions. I think I've won the Mauritius one once, I've taken part in Hong Kong a few times and there was also one the JRA used to do on Japan Cup weekend. This will be my first time riding in the Saudi IJC and I really like the look of the format. Four races, everyone riding in each race and the points system. It's simple but it works.”

With engagements on the Saturday too, Buick is expecting a busy couple of days at the Riyadh track:

“I should have a couple of nice rides at the meeting. Space Blues will be heading out there for the Turf Sprint all being well. He's on the right track at the moment and is a Group 1 winner so we're excited about him. Secret Advisor is entered in the Long Distance Turf Handicap and he had some nice form in Dubai last winter. He backed that up with a solid campaign in Europe. The track, trip and ground should be perfect for him so we're looking forward to it.”

Holmberg's stock is on the rise having won both of Norway's 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas last year. That marked a huge moment in her career that helped the Swede gain an opportunity to ride in Dubai this winter.

“During the winter of 2019/20 I thought to myself this year I'll either make it or quit after the season,” said Holmberg. “So I changed my diet a lot and started to work on my fitness more than ever before. And, of course, without the support of the trainers and owners I wouldn't have been able to get opportunities in the Classic races this year.

“I'm enjoying life in the UAE and to be riding here is great for learning and developing my own riding. It's a good learning experience as I'm surrounded with top jockeys from around the world.

“I'm really happy to get the chance to ride in Saudi Arabia, it's been a dream of mine that I never thought would come true.”

This year's International Jockeys Challenge will take place on Friday, Feb. 19 – the day before the $20million Saudi Cup. Jockeys will be made up of seven international women, two local men and five international men. The prize money in each of the four races will be $400,000 and there is a $100,000 prize pot for the Challenge with $30,000 going to the winner.

10 of the 14 riders have now been confirmed:

Sibylle Vogt, 25 (SUI)

Jorge Ricardo, 59 (BRA)

Jessica Marcialis, 30 (ITA)

Maria Lujan Asconiga, 27 (ARG)

Nieves Garcia, 43 (SPA)

Pierre-Charles Boudot, 28 (FRA)

Nanako Fujita, 23 (JPN)

Malin Holmberg, 30 (SWE)

Shane Foley, 32 (IRE)

William Buick, 32 (UK)

The post Shane Foley, William Buick Confirmed For Saudi International Jockeys Challenge appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The Frenchman, who rode 12 Group 1 winners in 2020, including on Champions Day at Royal Ascot and the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland, is the second of seven male jockeys to be announced, while Nanako Fujita of Japan will fill the fifth of seven spots for female riders.

He said: “I'm very excited to be competing in the International Jockeys' Challenge this year. Being asked to come and ride against the world's best feels like a great achievement and I'm very proud.

“2020 was a crazy and incredible year for me. I picked up some extra rides due to Covid and I ended up with 12 Group 1 winners, including three for Coolmore, two at the Breeders' Cup and one at Ascot on Champions Day too.”

The 28-year-old was not involved in last year's IJC but did ride in two races on The Saudi Cup undercard on the Saturday, finishing fourth on the Fabrice Chappet-trained Intellogent in the Middle Distance Turf Cup and fourth on Ala Sawab in The Jockey Club Local Handicap.

Remembering the day in 2020, Boudot said: “I rode on Saudi Cup day last year and it was a great experience. The turf was perfect and the dirt is possibly the best in the world.”

The Frenchman has been busy riding winners in France already this year and is set to arrive at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in good form, though Europe's premier Flat race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe which takes place in October, will again be his top target.

“This year, I would like to begin with a nice winner at the Saudi races and then I hope to find myself another good horse for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. I have been riding in France this month and things are going well. I've got a very good strike rate at the moment, with 17 winners from 40 runners, so I feel in good form and I'm ready to go.”

Popular Japanese rider Fujita was set to line up in last year's International Jockeys' Challenge but suffered a broken collarbone a fortnight before while riding in Japan.

The exciting 23-year-old jockey is looking forward to the prospect of taking her chance this year: “I would like to thank the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia for selecting me as one of the participants at the International Jockeys' Challenge.

“It is a great honor for me, and I am excited to receive the invitation. I look forward to riding together with world-renowned top riders in Saudi Arabia”.

This year's International Jockeys' Challenge will take place on Friday, Feb. 19 – the day before the $20 million Saudi Cup. Jockeys will be made up of seven international women, two local men and five international men. The prize money in each of the four races will be $400,000 and there is a $100,000 prize pot for the Jockeys' Challenge with $30,000 going to the winner.

Half of the 14 riders have now been confirmed:

Sibylle Vogt, 25, (SWI)

Jorge Ricardo, 59 (BRA)

Jessica Marcialis, 30 (ITA)

Maria Lujan Asconiga, 27 (ARG)

Nieves Garcia, 43 (SPA)

Pierre-Charles Boudot, 28 (FRA)

Nanako Fujita, 23 (JPN)

The post Pierre-Charles Boudot Confirmed For Saudi Cup’s International Jockeys’ Challenge appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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