A group of 12 American racehorses, with combined prize money earnings of more than $17.5 million, got their first look at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia today as they touched down ahead of the $29.2 million Saudi Cup day.
First off the lorry at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse Quarantine Facility was Billy Batts, trained by Peter Miller who will run in the Samba Saudi Derby and sprint star, Legends of War who is prepared by Doug O’Neill. Miller’s second two runners, Captain Scotty who goes in the Saudi Sprint and Ghoul also touched down safely while highly-anticipated Saudi Cup runners, Mucho Gusto and McKinzie, both trained by Bob Baffert and the striking grey, Tacitus trained by William Mott were also safely settled into their stables.
Safe travels
The popular mare, Midnight Bisou, who will take on the boys in the Saudi Cup and is trained by Steve Asmussen had a good look around as she came off the lorry along with stablemate and Samba Saudi Derby contender, Rowdy Yates and Saudi Sprint runner, Engage. Sprinter Imperial Hint was taken off the horse box by trainer, Luis Carvajal. Garrett Servis, son of trainer Jason said: “He travelled well. I was in touch with the grooms on the flight, so I had regular updates. He drank half his water and ate half his feed. We will be out for a hand walk after he gets settled.”
Credit – Mohammed Alshinaifi
All the US horses who landed in Riyadh yesterday will be required to spend 48 hours inside the quarantine facility before they can head to the main track. Tickets for Saudi Cup day and Kingdom Day are available from the Saudi Cup website: www.thesaudicup.com
A team of experts from International Venue Management is assisting with the organisation of the Saudi Cup event.
