Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted January 21 Journalists Posted January 21 The 14 participants for the 2026 International Jockeys' Challenge in Riyadh during the Saudi Cup meeting, were revealed on Wednesday. Featuring 14 jockeys, seven men and seven women, the four-race contest sees the return of last year's champion, local rider Mohammed Aldaham. Mickael Barzalona, the regular rider of the Longines World's Highest Rated Racehorse Calandagan (Gleneagles) is signed on, as is 2025 Irish Champion Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. Panama's Luis Morales is based in Saudi Arabia alongside Aldaham. Other male jockeys set to mark their mark on the contest include: Frenchman Flavien Prat who rides in America, Japan's Keita Tosaki, and star-on-the-rise Billy Loughnane from Britain. Previous participants Hollie Doyle, a Classic-winning rider, and Saffie Osborne are signed on from Britain, while French champion Marie Velon, America's Forest Boyce, Australia's Angela Jones, and debutantes Nina Baltromei from Germany and Frida Valle-Skar of Sweden who rides primarily in France, are aiming to make their mark. HRH Prince Bandar bin Khaled AlFaisal, chairman of Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said, “The Saudi Cup International Jockeys' Challenge has always been a favourite part of Saudi Cup weekend for me. “It is the only challenge in the world that includes equal numbers of men and women competing as individuals and it has been gratifying to see so many winners from different parts of the world since its inception in 2020. “The JCSA is proud to promote this event with its equal opportunities for men and women, and we are glad to echo this key message shared by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 – which is a guiding light for all sport in Saudi Arabia. “Last year we celebrated the first victory by a Saudi jockey and Mohammed Aldaham is back this year to defend his title, may he have the best of luck. Jockeys are tremendous and inspiring athletes and I look forward to personally welcoming them all to King Abdulaziz Racecourse and The Saudi Cup. The best of luck to all participants.” The post Barzalona Among International Jockeys’ Challenge Roster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article Quote
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