Saudi Arabia this week hosts the world’s richest horse race in the latest international sports events.
The Saudi Cup, expected to attract about 10,000 spectators, takes place at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack on February 29 with the main race run over 1,800m on a dirt track with a maximum field of 14.
The Saudi Cup includes another seven races on dirt and turf with prizes worth $9.2 million.
“We are taking the first steps on a journey to bring the domestic racing product on a par with our international counterparts,” said Tom Ryan, director of strategy and international racing at the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
The event will “increase the sport’s following inside Saudi Arabia, as well as opening up the industry to international horses and connections to make our mark on global racing,” he said.
Saudi journalist Mugbel al-Zabni, who writes for Arriyadiyah sports daily, said the event plays to Saudi culture, in a kingdom where the horse is considered a symbol of its heritage.
Saudi Arabia’s ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s sports push is designed to attract international tourists and boost domestic spending as the OPEC kingpin seeks to diversify its oil-reliant economy.
The kingdom also hosted the Dakar Rally, one of motor racing’s most adventurous rallies, earlier this year as well as the Italian and Spanish super cup finals last year, with the added attraction of football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
