Saudi jockey Sultan Almaymuni stars in Deauville on European debut

TAIF: Saudi Arabian apprentice jockey Sultan Almaymuni celebrated a dream European riding debut yesterday, winning the Prix International Sister’s Cities – European Association of Racing Schools apprentice race in France at Deauville Racecourse.

Competing against rising stars of the weighing room from around the world, all under the age of 25, Almaymuni, whose mount, Prince Des Dunes, won the 1500-meter contest, beat Record The Shaw three-quarters-of-a-length, ridden by France’s Emilien Puillet-Roda.

“Praise be to God for this victory, which I dedicate to the homeland, to my parents and to all my brothers on horseback in the Saudi field,” said Almaymuni.

“I extend my sincere thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Faisal, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Supreme Equestrian Authority, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Horse Racing Club, and to His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan, member of the Board of Directors of the authority, chairman of the committees artistic, for following them and encouraging me on the field,” the 22-year-old added.

“The snapshots and pictures that brought me together with Prince Abdullah bin Khalid are great evidence of our leadership’s interest in and support for all equestrian activities, specifically developing the Saudi racing industry so that we can compete with the world’s best.”

Almaymuni said that his goal was to gain more international experience and continue to represent the Kingdom.

“I would like to thank my father, trainer Salem Alfarmawi, who was my biggest supporter, by virtue of his knowledge of the participating horses,” he added.

Almaymuni was attached to horses from a young age and comes from a family whose name has