Saudi jockey to ride in international jockeys apprentice race at Deauville

2 August 2023 – Saudi Arabian apprentice rider Sultan Almaymuni will travel to Deauville, France this month to take part in the Prix International Cities – European Association of Racing Schools (EARS) international jockeys apprentice race.


Almaymuni, who has ridden 13 winners to date in Saudi Arabia, will be one of 16 young jockeys from 12 countries – Saudi Arabia, Germany, England, South Korea, United States, France, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Qatar, Turkey, Venezuela – who will compete for the prestigious title of future racing star.


The opportunity to ride in the challenge on August 17 came as a surprise for Almaymuni, who said: “When I was nominated, I didn’t even know I was being considered. It’s an incredible feeling and a dream come true.”


Run over 1500m and organised by L’École des Courses Hippiques AFASEC, the Prix International Sister Cities – EARS Final will provide the 22-year-old rider with his first ride on turf. As part of the experience, Almaymuni, like the other competitors will ride out with a French trainer to gain experience of being part of an international stable and to get a first taste of riding on turf.


Speaking about the challenge ahead, Almaymuni said: “It’ll be a first and I hope I can make everyone proud.


“I’ll head there with confidence. I’ve ridden in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, but this will be my first time riding on turf. Some jockeys say the surface is different, but hopefully it won’t be too different.”


Almaymuni’s first win came aboard Yafooz, a horse trained by his father Salem Alfarmawi, in September 2020 and he enjoyed his best campaign last season, with eight winners from 179 rides.


Almaymuni already has experience riding against international stars of the weighing room from this February’s Saudi Cup meeting.


“I’ve ridden with Frankie [Dettori] during The Saudi Cup meeting on a horse called Al Murqab. Internationally, Dettori would be my role model,” he said.


This 9th renewal of the Prix International Sister Cities – EARS Final is open to apprentices and young jockeys under the age of 25, who have graduated from a racing school, with a minimum of 10 rides and a maximum of 15 wins, and has long been considered a springboard for future stars of the saddle.


Race details: https://bit.ly/3DvrtTm


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