The defeats are a jolt to a full-strength Pakistan side in their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup
Switzerland’s Sibylle Vogt will embark on the title defence of her stc International Jockeys’ Challenge crown at next month’s Saudi Cup.
The second renewal of the $20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race takes place at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack, on the outskirts of Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital, on February 19 and 20 and the Germany-based Pattern-winning rider has confirmed her participation for the Challenge.
Last year’s unique event saw seven male and seven female riders compete in the $1.6 million Kingdom Day Challenge.
Three-time New Zealand Champion Jockey Lisa Allpress had created a bit of history by becoming the first woman to win a flat race in Saudi Arabia when she strode to victory in the opening race of the Challenge.
“It’s a huge honour to be invited back to take part in the International Jockeys’ Challenge,” said Vogt.
“It was such a good experience and it’s so nice to look back on it. It was an indescribable feeling to beat some of the best jockeys in the world last year – especially Frankie Dettori, as he is one of my idols and he will stay that way.
“I was very excited to be asked to take part because I had never been in such a big competition before. It was great getting to know all those successful jockeys.
“The whole thing was really well organised. The course was well maintained and the track is very fair to ride. I'm really looking forward to this year,” added the 25-year-old.
This year’s Challenge will see seven international female jockeys, five international male jockeys and two Saudi jockeys take part.
The prize money in each of the four races will be $400,000 and there is a $100,000 prize pot for the Jockeys’ Challenge with $30,000 going to the winner.
Organisers said that the full line-up of jockeys for the competition will be revealed in the coming weeks.
james@khaleejtimes.com
The defeats are a jolt to a full-strength Pakistan side in their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup
With his famous stepfather Tommy Fleetwood on his bag, Dubai’s Oscar Craig shoots a promising first round 69
Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh bag four key wickets to secure a 35-run victory in Hyderabad
The patient had endured years of severe pain and debilitating health complications due to the tumour
The concert is set to take place on April 27
Move aims to amplify Zambia’s renewable energy capacity
More vertiports will be set up in strategic locations across Abu Dhabi, including major business hubs and tourism destinations
Kerala will decide the fate of 194 candidates as polling on all 20 parliamentary constituencies will be held in the second phase