The Saudi Cup is the world’s most lucrative and exclusive horse race in Riyadh, with an eye-watering $35.1 million on offer in prize purses. And because of this, it is one of the most sought after horse-riding races of the year.
Badn Bin Ali AlSubaie, the winning horse master for the Saudi Cup says what’s the key to winning: “The three factors that contribute to winning a race are the trainer, the jockey and the horse. If I have to give a percentage based on their importance, I’d give the horse and the jockey 50 percent, and the trainer 50 percent, too.”
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Clearly, this race and the sport are not to be taken lightly.
Abdullah AlFairouz is one of the youngest Saudi jockeys playing in the tournament, at 22, he’s excited to see what the race has in store for him.
Time Out had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with him ahead of the tournament.
How did you get started in the sport?
It was a hobby and a passion that I picked up in my childhood from my older brother. I started riding horses when I was 12 years old, and with time, commitment, hard work, and determination, I evolved into who I am today.
How did Riyadh help you in your career?
Riyadh helped me a lot actually. Once the horse masters in the city start to see you and what you can do, they start noticing you, and then they start supporting you. There have been a lot of opportunities, thanks to Allah. Most of the horse masters in Riyadh supported me during my training period, so I had a lot of chances to prove myself, and now I’m competing in the Saudi Cup, which is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
Do you have any advice for young jockeys that are just starting out?
My advice to beginner jockeys is to stay fit in every way possible. Most importantly discipline yourself in your work. Don’t slack off, take care of your health, sleep early, eat healthy food, and these are the pillars of success for us in the sport.
What do you think makes a great jockey?
The only way to enter this world and excel in it and be a professional in the field is to start riding horses in your early childhood. If you start off early, later it becomes a sort of like second nature. Be confident in your abilities, and consistency is definitely key.
What are you looking forward to at the Saudi Cup?
I feel that I have a good chance in the competition, and of course, everyone wants to win this amazing tournament, the Saudi Cup, so I’m looking forward to the competition. I’m looking forward to competing with some of the best jockeys in the world and hopefully, I’ll be able to reach the expectation that the Saudi people have of me and make my country proud.
Open 1pm. Book tickets in advance. Fri Feb 25-26. King Abdulaziz Racetrack, thesaudicup.com.sa (011 254 0155).
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