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The 11th Saudi Arabia Royal Cup showcased an exhilarating 1,600-meter race for 2-year-old horses, held at the Tokyo Racecourse. Ecolo Alba, a talented colt trained by Yasuhito Tamura and ridden by jockey Rusei Sakai, secured victory on Saturday, finishing 1.5 lengths ahead of Galilea, the seventh-favorite.
The race’s top competitors included Zoro Astro, who claimed third place, just a neck behind the runner-up. Jockey Sakai expressed his joy about the win, emphasizing the importance of this prestigious event in the horse racing calendar.
Highlights from the Event
Prominent figures in attendance included:
- Abdullah Alaseeri, Secretary General of the Saudi Equestrian Authority
- Mohamed Al Khatham, Deputy Secretary General of the Saudi Equestrian Authority
- Anas Alnowaiser, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
The race drew many diplomats and dignitaries, showcasing the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Despite overcast conditions, the atmosphere was electric as Alaseeri presented the trophy to Ecolo Alba’s owner, celebrating the success of both the horse and the event.
Cultural Significance
Alaseeri highlighted the Royal Cup as a symbol of cultural exchange and diplomatic relations between the two nations. He noted its initiation by the late King Abdullah and expressed optimism for future collaborations.
The event began with the national anthems of both countries, underscoring their enduring partnership. Hidenori Takagi, Manager of the Tokyo Racecourse, addressed guests, acknowledging the fruitful cooperation between the Japan Racing Association and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
Celebrating Horse Racing
Hideki Hagiwara, a counselor at Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, spoke about the regulation of horse racing by MAFF. He also mentioned a recent victory by a Japanese horse in the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, held in Riyadh.
This iconic race served not only as a sporting event but also as a platform for cultural exchange. In conjunction with the Royal Cup, MAFF organized a food promotion that provided halal culinary experiences and showcased local producers at the racecourse.
Ecolo Alba, notable for being purchased for ¥77 million at the Chiba auction, had previously won its first race in July with an impressive margin of two and a half lengths. The 11th Saudi Arabia Royal Cup clearly highlighted the thriving relationship between equestrian enthusiasts in Japan and Saudi Arabia.
