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the saudi cup
the requirements of international racing. We believe The Saudi Cup can quickly become established as an integral part of
the international racing calendar and, as such, we anticipated there would be minor, organic “tweaks” as our ongoing dialogue with trainers and owners continued.
Is everything going to plan?
There is a keen sense of anticipation as we draw close to the inaugural running of The Saudi Cup meeting, but it’s more excitement than any real nervousness.
We are fortunate enough to have an experienced and dedicated team behind the race. It seems unreasonable not to expect a teething problem or two, but that is perfectly normal in an event of this magnitude.
“The commitment
of everyone involved in the project at a local level has helped to create the sense
of anticipation
The time-frame was seemingly tight. Did you ever consider moving the event back a year? Clearly the time-frame has presented its
own set of challenges, but there has been nothing we felt we couldn’t overcome. It is an exciting venture and we all just wanted to begin the journey as soon as we could.
What has the role been like for you personally?
It’s a truly exciting prospect. From my standpoint there are very few opportunities in a working lifetime to be so involved in such a bold and imaginative project. To
be part of a team that is creating an event of this importance from what was – just a matter of months ago – a blank piece of paper, is a tremendous privilege.
Is there a buzz developing in Saudi Arabia as the event approaches?
Absolutely. The commitment of everyone involved in the project at a local level has
helped to create the sense of anticipation I mentioned, and everyone connected with The Saudi Cup feels this more and more in the city as we draw nearer to the race.
We are lucky to have an extremely dedicated local team who are all determined to show that top-class international racing is perfectly at home in Saudi Arabia.
How are the horses shipping in?
There is a highly detailed horsemen’s guide on The Saudi Cup website, which covers
all technical aspects of bringing a horse to Saudi Arabia to compete in the two-day meeting.
All shipping arrangements will be co-ordinated through Luck Greayer Bloodstock Shipping Ltd and its appointed shipping agents, and
the entire process aims to be as hassle-free as possible.
Flying horses around the world to compete has been commonplace for decades and we don’t anticipate horsemen experiencing any issues.
In addition, it should be remembered that The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has, with extraordinary
Tom Ryan: making the most of the opportunity to be involved in such an “imaginative” project
generosity, committed to covering the normal costs of return transport by road from the home stable to departure airport, and return air transportation to the country of origin.
Could you give us some detail about the tracks? It is an ambitious plan to install a Turf course in such a short time – is it on target? Thanks to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved, the Turf track is actually ahead of schedule and we’re very excited to see it in action.
The goal was to produce a fair, fast Turf course with a nice cushion and we’re extremely happy with where we are.
As you are probably aware, the Turf facility has been overseen by the STRI
Group, who specialise in grass surfaces for sporting events.
They are the people responsible for, among many others, Lords’ cricket pitches, the grass courts at Wimbledon, the straight mile at Ascot and pitches at three FIFA World Cup
tournaments.
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