Saudi Arabia will become a ‘worldwide, year-long’ horseracing destination

Laura King, a UK-based expert on Arab horseracing, predicts that Saudi Arabia will become a ‘year-long’ racing destination – despite the Kingdom’s high temperatures.

She spoke to The Independent as the prestige event – the Saudi Cup – takes place this week in comfortable winter weather.

But in the hotter months, the action moves to the cooler mountain course at Taif. “It’s fascinating – in a country where it gets to 50 degrees they can still race,” says King, managing editor of World Horse Racing.

The Saudi Cup is organised by The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia in partnership with the Ministry of Culture.