RIYADH — The Sports Boulevard Foundation (SBF) has become an official sponsor for the Riyadh Dirt Sprint race, part of the 2024 Saudi Cup event - the globe's most prestigious and lucrative horse race.
The partnership agreement was sealed in the presence of Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Equestrian Authority and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, underscoring a shared vision to foster equestrian sports within Riyadh and beyond.
This collaboration marks the second consecutive year of SBF’s support for the Saudi Cup, which boasts an increased prize pool of over $37.35 million this year. The event will spotlight top-tier racehorses, jockeys, trainers, and owners from around the world, further cementing its status as a premier global racing spectacle.
Ziad Al-Mogren, CEO of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, highlighted the synergy between Sports Boulevard’s commitment to transforming Riyadh with state-of-the-art equestrian facilities and the Jockey Club's goal to engage more Saudi residents in the sport. Jayne McGivern, CEO of Sports Boulevard Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for making equestrian sports accessible to all Riyadh's residents, emphasizing horseracing’s significant heritage in the Kingdom.
Scheduled for February 23 and 24 at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, the Saudi Cup will not only be a showcase of top equestrian talent but also a platform for promoting community engagement through sports. The Sports Boulevard Foundation aims to use this partnership to inform attendees about the megaproject’s role in enhancing health and wellbeing in Riyadh, contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to make Riyadh one of the top 10 most liveable cities globally.
The Sports Boulevard project, initiated by King Salman bin Abdulaziz in March 2019, is set to revolutionize urban living in Riyadh. By converting a previously industrial corridor into a verdant urban retreat, the project promises to offer a network of green pathways catering to pedestrians, cyclists, athletes, and horse-riders, fostering a healthier and more vibrant city life. — SG
