Saudi racing’s riches have gone under the radar – maybe not for much longer

Few will notice the start of the Saudi racing season on Thursday but there are signs the sport in the country is gaining ground

In early August 2019, as he announced the launch of the $20m (£16.4m) Saudi Cup, the world’s most valuable race, HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid al-Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, made no secret of his long-term vision for racing in his country. It was, he said, “without doubt the most significant event in the history of horse racing in Saudi Arabia, and demonstrates our resolve to develop this great sport … and also our ambition to become a leading player on horse racing’s world stage.”

It was a bold statement of Saudi sporting intent of a type that has become increasingly familiar in recent years. The country has spent billions of dollars to carve out a profile in sports including football, golf, boxing, tennis and Formula One, amid widespread criticism that it is seeking to “sportswash” its human rights record. Dozens of star names, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar now play for teams in the Saudi Pro League, the once upstart LIV Golf has merged with the 107-year-old PGA, and the country’s Public Investment Fund now owns 80% of Newcastle United.