Rosario, Lemaire join lineup for stc International Jockeys Challenge

Joel Rosario and Christophe Lemaire, two of world racing’s star riders, have been confirmed for the stc International Jockeys Challenge at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Friday, Feb. 25, a day before the showpiece Saudi Cup.

Rosario and Lemaire are the fourth and fifth male jockeys to be announced in the 14-rider event, competing alongside Glen Boss, Jim Crowley and last year’s champion, Shane Foley.

Rosario, who rode Knicks Go to finish fourth in last year’s Saudi Cup but was not involved in the stc IJC, said: “I’m looking forward to taking part in the International Jockeys Challenge against some of the best jockeys in the world. I’ve competed in a few jockey challenges over the years, but this will be my first one in Saudi.

“The Saudi Cup meeting is a really unique event and I feel lucky to be going back there again, being around a lot of wonderful people and horses. The Saudi Cup itself is a great race, it has become a big part of the international racing calendar.

“I was very excited to ride Knicks Go last year. He was up against some very good horses like Charlatan and Mishriff. He ran a good race to finish fourth, but you’re taking on the best horses in the world.”

And the Dominican Republic-born rider feels he has another live chance in this year’s $20 million event, partnering Steve Asmussen’s Midnight Bourbon

“I ride Midnight Bourbon this year and he’s a very good horse,” Rosario said. “He ran well behind Mandaloun at Fair Grounds last time and we will take each other on again in Saudi. It’s fun to be part of the race again and I think he has a good chance in what looks quite an open race this year.”

Japan-based French jockey Lemaire is no stranger to Saudi Arabia either, having partnered Gold Dream to