jockeys' challenge | Horse Racing Free Tips

Sutherland Enters Jockey Challenge In Saudi

The Saudi Cup International Jockeys Challenge, led by defending champion Caitlin Jones, plus a mix of international female and male riders like Victoria Alonso, Joanna Mason, Frankie Dettori, Luis Saez, Joao Moreia, and Chantal Sutherland, is set for King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

The jockeys will compete to receive 15% of prize-money for each of the four $400,000 races in they win with a further $100,000 going to the overall champion.

“It is my first time in Saudi Arabia and I'm actually blown away by the hospitality and the kindness people have shown” said the Florida-based and Canadian-born Sutherland.

The daughter of a Standardbred trainer, Sutherland is no stranger to making history. She was the first woman to win the GI Santa Anita H. and also the first to ride in the G1 Dubai World Cup, both aboard Game On Dude (Awesome Again). Sutherland also piloted him to a second-place finish in the 2011 GI Breeders' Cup Classic behind Drosselmeyer (Distorted Humor), who was ridden by then-boyfriend Mike Smith.

“I was second in the Breeders' Cup Classic and I thought that was around the time to maybe have a child,” said Sutherland. I stopped racing and took about four years out and didn't ever get to have a kid. The marriage [to Dan Kruse] didn't work out either, so I went back to racing, got injured, then got back from the injury, then Covid happened.”

Sutherland's decision to return to the track was prompted by a move to the Sunshine State over the course of the winter in early 2021.

“I was going to ride just before Covid. I was going to ride Turfway [Park] and that was freezing,” she said. “I'd frozen for I don't know how long in my career, in Canada, at Aqueduct. I thought, 'I'm going to Florida,' and I just loved it. It felt like home.”

As far as her mounts for Friday in Saudi Arabia, Sutherland will be aboard the appropriately-named, Fighter (KSA) (Official Flame) in race two over 1600 meters and Inhimr (KSA) (Pomeroy) in race three going 1400 meters, both on dirt. Then in the pair of turf races, she will guide Go Fast Traou Land (Fr) (George Vancouver) in the 1200-meter race five and finish off with Billy Batts (City Zip) in race six over 2100 meters.

She added, “I'm really looking forward to the Jockeys Challenge. I've already worked out the races, watched all the replays and I've spoken to some key handicap people who have put the races together. I feel I am ready, physically, mentally and preparation-wise. I've done my homework. It's going to be exciting.”

Sutherland is looking forward to staying put at Gulfstream Park once she returns from the Middle East, especially since year-round racing continues to draw jockeys from all quadrants.

“I'm very happy in Florida and very happy to be doing what I'm doing again,” Sutherland said. It has been stop-start, but now everything, with the flow, I feel there is an alignment in my life and everything is going well.”

The post Sutherland Enters Jockey Challenge In Saudi appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Irishman Shane Foley Celebrates ‘Massive’ Win In International Jockeys Challenge; Mike Smith Third

Irish star Shane Foley emerged triumphant in the second annual stc International Jockeys Challenge after taking two out of the four legs, each worth US $400,000, in the Saudi Arabian competition.

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.”

The post Irishman Shane Foley Celebrates ‘Massive’ Win In International Jockeys Challenge; Mike Smith Third appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

John Velazquez Confirmed For Saudi Arabia’s International Jockeys Challenge

Leading US-based rider John Velazquez is the final international jockey to be confirmed for the stc International Jockeys Challenge (IJC) on Friday, Feb. 19. The 49-year-old will take on 13 other jockeys in the IJC, before partnering Tacitus, owned by the late Prince Khalid Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms, in the $20m Saudi Cup a day later.

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

The post John Velazquez Confirmed For Saudi Arabia’s International Jockeys Challenge appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Shane Foley, William Buick Confirmed For Saudi International Jockeys Challenge

Irish Flat Jockeys' Championship runner-up Shane Foley is one of three more jockeys added to the 14-rider line-up for The Saudi Cup's International Jockeys Challenge, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, Feb. 19 in Riyadh.

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.

Source of original post