Buick and Foley added to star-studded Saudi Cup International Jockeys Challenge

Multiple Group 1-winning jockeys William Buick and Shane Foley have been added to the star-studded list of riders for the Saudi Cup's International Jockeys Challenge in Riyadh this month.

Buick, Foley and leading Swedish female jockey Malin Holmberg have been confirmed in the line-up in the four-race event on February 19 – the first day of the valuable meeting at King Abdulaziz racetrack that culminates with the world's richest race, the Saudi Cup.

Ten of the 14 riders for the challenge have now been confirmed, including Pierre Charles-Boudot, Prix Marcel Boussac-winning jockey Jessica Marcialis and last year's inaugural victor Sibylle Vogt.

Shane Foley, seen here after his victory on Romanised in the 2018 Irish 2,000 Guineas, will join Buck in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Patrick McCann

"I really enjoy riding abroad and think it’s massively important. The racing in Saudi Arabia is a big and growing operation," Foley said.

"I rode in the Japanese Jockeys Challenge in 2018 which was a good experience and I’ve ridden against some of these jockeys, it’s nice to be associated with these high-quality names and events and I’m really looking forward to it."

Foley and Buick will also be in action on the $30.5million Saudi Cup card the following day, with the latter set to partner Group 1 winner Space Blues in the Saudi Turf Sprint.

"My first time riding in Saudi was around 12 years ago and the Saudi Cup raceday itself was a massive success," Buick said. "There were winners from all over the world and the races were really competitive. For the organisers of a big meeting, that’s your dream – competitive racing and a level playing field."

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