RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced a new horse racing championship with prizes totalling more than $17 million that would make it one of the sport’s richest events.
The King Abdulaziz Horse Championship will rival the Kentucky Derby in size and attract competitors from the US, the UK and Japan, the government’s General Sports Authority said late on Tuesday, without revealing when the first championship would be held.
Riyadh is keen to develop its sports industry as part of reforms to diversify the economy beyond oil exports and create a more modern, dynamic society.
The horse championship was a way for the desert kingdom to share its “historic and cultural legacy” with the world, the sports authority said in the statement.
Last year’s Dubai World Cup offered a $10-million prize for its top race, although media reported prizes for the entire event totalled $30 million. The 2018 Pegasus World Cup Invitational in Florida had a $16-million purse (Reuters)
ABOUT THE KING ABDULAZIZ ARABIAN HORSE CENTER
Since ancient times, Arabian Horses have been associated with the Arabian Peninsula and these noble equines have been known throughout history for their strength, beauty and purity. King Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud greatly respected these horses and took great care for their welfare in addition to the preservation of their bloodlines and pedigrees. This care and attention continues today through his sons and grandchildren, the leaders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center (KAAHC) was established under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture in 1381H-1961 G. The King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center is the official authority for all Arabian Horses matters and the official delegate to the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), and other International Arabian Horses Organizations. They are the official Saudi Arabian Horses registry for the national and the imported horse, authorizing the Show Competitions and auctions, and Issuing Arabian Horses Stud Book in KSA. The King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center was originally named Dirab Arabian Horse Center and its name was changed by Royal Decree in 1998 by The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
Through the continuous support of the Government and the Royal Family, the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center is dedicated to preserve the heritage of the Arabian horses in its homeland. Original family strains like Al Hamdania, Al Obeyan, Al Sowati, Al Kuhailat, and Saqlawi are still preserved and bred on.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (God bless him) gifted a number of good mares and stallions to improve the breeding at the Center. Specialized personnel at the center have made careful breeding selections that have resulted in the production of generations of excellent Arabian Horses, including maintaining and improving the Saudi Desert Bred Arabian horse as one of their primary missions.
Each year an appointed committee evaluates the characteristics of the mares and selects the best stallion to ensure the best possible results. All foals are evaluated at an early age and graded against the breed standard. Continuous monitoring is undertaken to maintain and improve the herd.
The King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center is responsible for organizing and monitoring the technical aspects at all shows that are held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the private sector in addition to coordinating with the concerned International Show Competitions organization as per Royal Decision Number 4291 MB dated. 09/05/1428H.
By this Royal decree, all activities regarding Arabian horse shows are under the responsibility of the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Center. This is a continuation of the success of previous shows and reflects the support that Arabian Horses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have received from His Majesty, Therefore the Center and its staff present their gratitude and appreciation to HIS ROYAL MAJESTY for the sponsorship of this show competition.
The General Sports Authority (GSA) is the government body responsible for sport in Saudi Arabia. The General Sports Authority was previously known as the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (GPYW), which was created in 1974.
The General Presidency of Youth Welfare (GPYW) was established in 1974, by royal decree by the late King Faisal Bin Abdul-Aziz. In July 1987 , the GPYW launched the Leadership Institute campus, the main Saudi entity accredited with training the youth to become expert trainers in sport.
The GPYW became known as the General Sports Authority in May 2016, following a royal decree restructuring the entity, and placing Prince Abdullah bin Musaad Al Saud as its chairman.
Mohammed Al-Sheikh was appointed to the position of chairman of GSA in April 2017, replacing Prince Abdullah bin Musaad Al Saud. On September 6 2017, Mohammed Al-Sheikh was replaced by Turki bin Abdel Muhsin Al-Asheikh at this position (Wikipedia)
