Saudi adventure awaits Spratt

[Wandering Eyes]

Sam Spratt is gearing up for what will be an exciting week abroad when she heads to Saudi Arabia next week to compete in the international jockeys’ challenge.

While racing on the international stage is nothing new to Spratt, she is looking forward to experiencing a new culture in a developing racing jurisdiction.

“They called me three or four months ago and asked me if I wanted to go and I jumped at the opportunity,” Spratt said.

“I rode over in England and Australia. Saudi Arabia is a different culture, so it will be quite interesting to experience something different.

“It will be a good experience.”

Lisa Allpress and Queensland-based expat Kiwi Samantha Collett have previously represented New Zealand in the Saudi international jockeys’ challenge, and Spratt has already picked Allpress’ brain ahead of the trip.

“I have spoken with Lisa a little bit, mostly about the dress code as they are a little bit strict in that way,” Spratt said.

“Closer to the time I will have another yarn and speak to a few more people. The track manager over there is Australian and apparently he is good to talk to.”

Spratt said the trip has come up quick and she is looking forward to the diversity of the competition, which will take place on both grass and dirt tracks.

“I put it on the backburner and all of a sudden it came up,” she said.

“I will have four rides, two on the grass and two on their synthetic track. I have only ridden on the Cambridge synthetic before, but I am not too worried about that.”

Spratt will be rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in racing, competing against the likes of Joao Moreira and Frankie Dettori.

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