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.

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Previous Winner Joao Moreira Predicts ‘Very Even’ Matchup In International Jockeys’ Championship

Joao Moreira predicts a galaxy of international star jockeys will swiftly adapt to Happy Valley's unique contours as 12 of the world's best riders vie for LONGINES International Jockeys' Championship glory on Wednesday, Dec. 9 in Hong Kong.

As one of four previous winners of the four-race format in this year's contest, the 2020/21 championship-leading jockey believes Wednesday's competition looms as one of the most even in the event's history – a sentiment echoed by the Brazilian's great championship rival Zac Purton.

“There's no doubt it's going to be a very interesting jockeys' challenge,” Moreira said.

“It looks like the club has done a good job to share the rides to everyone else in a fair way.

“I'm actually happy with the rides I've got. There's no doubt we can have some fun.

“These races are going to be very even races. From the first to the fifth horse, there won't be much difference.

“Luck is going to play a lot of luck in this game.”

Allocated Gouten Of Garo, Royal Racer, Smiling City and Cue The Music, Moreira is impressed by the depth of talent among the visiting riders as Hollie Doyle, Tom Marquand, Ryan Moore, Mickael Barzalona, Pierre-Charles Boudot and William Buick attempt to land the top prize – racing's richest for such a competition – of HK$500,000 (about US$65,000).

“I have no doubt local jockeys have the advantage of riding every day on the city track but don't forget these jockeys are coming over here, they are high quality jockeys and they are able to adapt very quickly, understand and pick up from everybody, even watching replays,” Moreira said.

“I would describe Happy Valley as one of the most difficult places to adapt and get used to but I also don't underestimate these guys that are coming because if they've been selected, there are no doubts they are good jockeys and they are going to get used to it quick and do the best they can on this track straight away.”

Moreira, winner of the LONGINES International Jockeys' Championship in 2012, believes Royal Racer will acquit himself well in the Second Leg of the series, a Class 4 contest over 1650m.

“He actually won very impressively with me on last time. If he's able to able produce what he did last time, I think he's going to be a very hard horse to beat and I would have him as my best ride of the jockeys' challenge,” he said.

“Most of the races on the card, particularly of the jockeys' challenge, seem to be even and if you're lucky enough to get a good run through, you might win with a horse that might not be one of top favourites.

“It seems like Ryan Moore, as usual, gets good rides. Boudot, also, has decent rides.”

Purton, seeking his second victory in the series after the Australian's 2017 triumph, will partner Hey Pal, Fearless Fire, Gift Of Lifeline and Flying Bonus.

“It looks a lot more even this year,” he said.

“I don't have the strongest rides. I have rides that can run some sort of race.

“Hopefully I can have a bit of luck there somewhere and you never know what can happen.”

Doyle will attempt to crown a supreme 2020 with victory aboard last start Sha Tin winner Harmony N Blessed for David Hayes.

The LONGINES International Jockeys' Championship meeting starts at Happy Valley on Wednesday, Dec. 9, with the running of the Class 5 Australia Handicap (1650m) at 6.30pm.

Allocated jockey rides

Alexis Badel (Hong Kong) – Farm Bumper, Gallant Crown, Hang's Decision, Lucky Quality.

Mickael Barzalona (France) – Young Victory, Thunder Stomp, Savaquin, Mehboob.

Pierre-Charles Boudot (France) – Jazz Steed, Maldives, Reel Bizzy, Storm Warnings.

William Buick (Great Britain) – Happy Good Guys, Regency Master, Noble Steed, Beauty Spark.

Neil Callan (Hong Kong) – Winner's Heart, Lady First, Lightning Steed, Meridian Genius.

Hollie Doyle (Great Britain) – Happily Friends, Universal Go Go, Sunny Lad, Harmony N Blessed.

Vincent Ho (Hong Kong) – Travel Datuk, Anonyma, Hall of Champ, What A Legend.

Tom Marquand (Great Britain) – Very Sweet Orange, Nunchuks, Surrealism, Wind N Grass.

Ryan Moore (Great Britain) – Packing Champion, Play Wise, Jolly Honour, Grateful Heart.

Joao Moreira (Hong Kong) – Gouten Of Garo, Royal Racer, Smiling City, Cue The Music.

Zac Purton (Hong Kong) – Hey Pal, Fearless Fire, Gift Of Lifeline, Flying Bonus.

Karis Teetan (Hong Kong) – Oversubscribed, Right Honourable, Helene Wisdom Star, Winston's Lad.

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Quartet of Lesters Nominations for Hollie Doyle

Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year Hollie Doyle, who is also a nominee for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, has been nominated for four Lesters Awards, leading all nominations. Seven Lesters are voted on by members of the Professional Jockeys Association, with the Flat Ride of the Year picked by Racing TV viewers and the Jump Ride of the Year selected by Sky Sports Racing Viewers. Polls have closed and all winners will be announced during a live show at 6 p.m. on Sky Sports Racing on Dec. 22.

Doyle, alongside partner Tom Marquand, champion jockey Oisin Murphy and William Buick are up for Flat Jockey of the Year. Her ride aboard Glen Shiel (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) in the G1 British Champions Sprint S., her first Group 1 win, is a nominee for Flat Ride of the Year; while she is also up for Female Jockey of the Year alongside Nicola Currie, Bridget Andrews and Megan Nicholls. Finally, Doyal is also nominated for the Flat Jockey Special Recognition Award with Joe Fanning, Robert Havlin and Paul Hanagan.

Champion Jumps jockey Brian Hughes, Richard Johnson, Aidan Coleman and Harry Cobden are in the running for Jump Jockey of the Year. The Jump Jockey Special Recognition Award’s nominees are Leighton Aspell, Adam Nicol, Wayne Hutchinson and Andrew Tinkler.

Dale Gibson, PJA executive director (Racing), said, “Like other awards ceremonies, we were unable to host a Lesters Awards ceremony due to the pandemic so we were delighted when Sky Sports Racing agreed to produce another Lesters special, as they did in 2019.

“Having been lucky enough to win two Lesters myself I know how much it means so on behalf of the PJA and our members, I would like to congratulate all of the nominees and wish them the very best of luck.”

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Frankie Dettori Named Longines World’s Best Jockey

Frankie Dettori has been crowned the 2020 Longines World’s Best Jockey, the third year in a row the Italian has received the accolade. Dettori, who also won the award in 2015, captured five of the world’s Top 100 Group or Grade 1 races in 2020, aboard Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the Gold Cup and Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup S.; Palace Pier (GB) (Kingman {GB}) in the St James’s Palace S. and Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques Le Marois; and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO S. with Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}).

His total points for the year (from Dec. 1 2019-Nov. 30 2020) were 102. Ryan Moore, winner of the World’s Best Jockey award in 2014/16 was second with 98, while William Buick had 66 points and Irad Ortiz, Jr. finished fourth with 64. A win is worth 12 points, second place is six points and a third-place finish is worth four points. Dettori’s achievement will be celebrated in mid-January when the 2020 Longines World’s Best Racehorse and Longines World’s Best Horse Racing winners are announced. The full standings for the award are found at www.ifhaonline.org.

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