Racing TV has secured the exclusive British broadcast rights to the US$20m Saudi Cup race meet.
Taking place this weekend (24 February), the showpiece race is run over a distance of 1,800 metres at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
The day itself boasts a combined prize fund of $37.35m, and the card is enhanced by two Group 2 races and three Group 3 races for Thoroughbreds, as well as two Group 1 contests for Purebred Arabians.
“Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, the big American hope, White Abarrio heads a strong 14-horse field but will face a stiff challenge from Japanese duo, 2023 Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro and Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up Derma Sotogake,” said a statement announcing the new partnership.
There is a strong British and Irish contingent and one of the highlights will be the $2m Howden Neom Turf at 4.10pm, in which Aidan O’Brien’s classy Luxembourg takes on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Spirit Dancer – who won the Bahrain International Trophy in November.
Meanwhile, the horse racing channel will broadcast the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia’s official World Feed programme, fronted by Racing TV presenters, Nick Luck and Tom Stanley.
In recent weeks, Racing TV also formed an exclusive syndicate with RaceShare to offer its subscribers “a chance to enjoy the thrills of racehorse ownership – with no additional costs.”
This deal now sees RaceShare provide audiences the opportunity to join the syndicate of raising stud Lir Speciale.