Buick, Foley and Holmberg Latest Additions to
stc International Jockeys Challenge 

Leading riders confirmed to take part in
star-studded four-race event

Leading Irish jockey Shane Foley will be heading to Riyadh for the stc International Jockeys Challenge and to ride Barbados for Jessica Harrington in the Long Distance Turf Handicap - Credit: Focus on Racing

Irish Flat Jockeys' Championship runner-up Shane Foley is one of three more jockeys added to the 14-rider line-up for The Saudi Cup's stc International Jockeys Challenge, which takes place on Friday February 19.

Foley, who rode 92 winners in Ireland last year, will be joined by international Group 1-winning jockey William Buick and Sweden's top female jockey, Malin Holmberg, while the likes of Pierre-Charles Boudot, Jessica Marcialis and last year's winner Sibylle Vogt have already been confirmed.

"I really enjoy riding abroad and think it's massively important," said Foley. "The racing in Saudi Arabia is a big and growing operation as far as owners are concerned, and all it takes is to kick on with one there and you could bring an owner back to Ireland for your stable."

"I rode in the Japanese Jockeys Challenge in 2018 which was a good experience and I've ridden against some of these jockeys, like Pierre-Charles Boudot and Jessica Marcialis in the Arc and Breeders' Cup weekends. It's nice to be associated with these high-quality names and events and I'm really looking forward to it," the 32-year-old Irishman added.

Foley is hoping to stay in Saudi for the $30.5million card on the Saturday too:

"We have Barbados going for owner Mr Zhang in the Long Distance Turf Handicap on Saturday and if he can reproduce his St Leger run then he will be bang there. I'm just hoping the ground is not really firm. He'll handle nice quick ground but if it gets too firm that will be the only negative, but I've heard the ground last year was beautiful.

"It would be massive and for the owner as well. He's a big supporter of mine and I've been retained by him for the last couple of years. He's always stood by me and he has invested quite heavily in the game.  Last year he had his first Group 1 winner with Lucky Vega, and it would be great to have a winner out on Saudi Cup day for him as he's a proud and competitive man."

William Buick (centre) took part in the original turf trials at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in January 2020 - Credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia / Martin Dokoupil

Retained Godolphin rider Buick will be familiar with the track at King Abdulaziz Racecourse having ridden at the turf trials in January 2020, and he is very much looking forward to competing this year:

"My first time riding in Saudi was around 12 years ago, I've been in and out since then. Last year I came over for the turf trials which went very well indeed. The Saudi Cup raceday itself was a massive success. There were winners from all over the world and the races were really competitive. For the organisers of a big meeting, that's your dream – competitive racing and a level playing field," said Buick.

"I'm really looking forward to the International Jockeys' Challenge. I love these competitions. I think I've won the Mauritius one once, I've taken part in Hong Kong a few times and there was also one the JRA used to do on Japan Cup weekend. This will be my first time riding in the Saudi IJC and I really like the look of the format. Four races, everyone riding in each race and the points system. It's simple but it works."

With engagements on the Saturday too, Buick is expecting a busy couple of days at the Riyadh track:

"I should have a couple of nice rides at the meeting. Space Blues will be heading out there for the Turf Sprint all being well. He's on the right track at the moment and is a Group 1 winner so we're excited about him. Secret Advisor is entered in the Long Distance Turf Handicap and he had some nice form in Dubai last winter. He backed that up with a solid campaign in Europe. The track, trip and ground should be perfect for him so we're looking forward to it."

Holmberg's stock is on the rise having won both of Norway's 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas last year. That marked a huge moment in her career that helped the Swede gain an opportunity to ride in Dubai this winter.

"During the winter of 2019/20 I thought to myself this year I'll either make it or quit after the season," said Holmberg. "So I changed my diet a lot and started to work on my fitness more than ever before. And, of course, without the support of the trainers and owners I wouldn't have been able to get opportunities in the Classic races this year.

"I'm enjoying life in the UAE and to be riding here is great for learning and developing my own riding. It's a good learning experience as I'm surrounded with top jockeys from around the world.

"I'm really happy to get the chance to ride in Saudi Arabia, it's been a dream of mine that I never thought would come true."

This year's stc International Jockeys Challenge will take place on Friday February 19 – the day before the $20million Saudi Cup. Jockeys will be made up of seven international women, two local men and five international men. The prize money in each of the four races will be $400,000 and there is a $100,000 prize pot for the Challenge with $30,000 going to the winner.