Page 38 - Demo

the saudi cup
with the local culture in the same way that they would do before visiting any country. Horseracing is a universal sport that binds its fans together, regardless of their
nationality, and we’re looking forward to welcoming all racegoers, no matter where they come from.
Where can visitors find out more about accommodation and visiting Saudi Arabia? Prospective visitors can find out much more about the broad range of accommodation available in Riyadh by visiting the Saudi Cup website (www.thesaudicup.com), as well as the excellent Visit Saudi portal (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/).
Will there be any locally trained runners in the big race?
There is a trial event in early February from which the two, top-rated local horses will be invited to participate in the Saudi Cup.
Is The Saudi Cup part of a wider strategic plan for the future of Saudi racing and Saudi sport?
I can speak only for the racing side, but
we felt there was an opportunity to create
a major racing event that would dovetail
“The meeting is intended to be
a catalyst for
a wider progression of horseracing within the Kingdom
perfectly between the Pegasus World Cup and the Dubai World Cup while, of course, underlining that racing is an important and long-established part of the sporting landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This is something that is often overlooked. The horse, and horseracing, is central to the ancient culture of Saudi Arabia and, as such, holding an event as prestigious as The Saudi Cup is a kind of homecoming for the sport.
Everyone who knows their racing history appreciate that the original source of every thoroughbred running today is right here in the Middle East.
The meeting is intended to be a catalyst for a wider progression of horse racing
within the Kingdom both in terms of quality and scale.
Once the meeting is completed, how will you judge if it has been successful?
The Saudi Cup is already a success in
terms of its impact on the global racing community.
There has been a welcoming and enthusiastic response from the industry at large and, as previously mentioned, the race fits naturally into the international racing calendar.
However, clearly, this is year one of what we very much anticipate will become a perennial, and important, race that slowly creates its own illustrious history.
Are there already plans in place for year two and beyond?
The short answer is “yes”! Everyone connected with The Saudi Cup is fully committed to its long-term success, and planning is already underway to achieve those long-term goals over the coming years.
However, for this inaugural race, as the saying goes ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’.
Step two will begin the morning of the day after on February 30 in Riyadh!
It is full steam ahead for The Saudi Cup!
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