'Forever grateful' Frankie Dettori honoured to ride in memory of Khalid Abdullah

Frankie Dettori is set for a fitting first ride of 2022 as he takes part in the inaugural running of the Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah Cup in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

The 1m2f contest is to be run in honour of the great owner-breeder who died last January at the age of 83 and with whom Dettori had a long standing connection through his fruitful partnership with dual Arc winner Enable.

Dettori is set to partner the former Andrew Balding-trained Recovery Run in the turf contest, which carries a pot of $266,000 (£196,547/€235,170).

Recovery Run is representing Bahrain-based trainer Allan Smith, who saddles two in the field, and other ex-Europeans in the race include My Frankel, Crossed Baton and Fabilis, the latter the mount of Silvestre de Sousa.

Dettori said: “Prince Khalid Abdullah did amazing things for the sport of horseracing and it’s a pleasure to ride in the race named in his honour. He will never be forgotten and I’ll be forever grateful for all the opportunities I was given to ride for him, not least Enable who gave us all such incredible memories.”

He added: “I’ve ridden in Saudi for years and the racing calendar out there is very strong now. Of course, there is the Saudi Cup meeting next month, but there are more good races with top prize-money throughout the winter that make it an attractive option for the European jockeys. The dirt course is top class and the turf track is beautiful. It’s fresh every year, you really can’t fault it.

Khalid Abdulla (left) holds on to Frankel after his victory in the 2012 Lockinge StakesCredit: Mark Cranham

“The Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah Cup on Saturday looks an interesting race, with plenty of familiar names in there. As for my horse, Recovery Run, he won his last start by 21 lengths, so I’d like to think he’s got a good chance.”

Salem Binmahfooz, director of racing at the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said: “It is fitting for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia [JCSA] to honour the memory of Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah at King Abdulaziz racecourse.

“This race is our contribution to continuing the tremendous global legacy left by Prince Khalid and it was considered highly appropriate by both his family and the JCSA that it should be held on our turf track and over the 2,100m distance at which some of his most famous horses excelled.”

De Sousa has not only bagged himself a mount in Saturday’s big race but is set to ride in Saudi throughout the winter, having re-established an association with the country’s leading owner, Prince Faisal.

De Sousa said: “I’m flying out to Saudi on Thursday where I will mainly be riding for Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz and his family over the next few months. It’s a real honour to have been asked and I'm looking forward to spending time out there.”

Read more:

Khalid Abdullah, legendary owner-breeder of Frankel, dies aged 83

'All roads lead there' – Mishriff back on the Saudi Cup trail

Charlie Johnston eyeing Middle East targets after Wolverhampton breakthrough

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets