A racing revolution in progress for nation torn between tradition and the future
Jonathan Harding on his trip to Riyadh to witness the $20m Saudi Cup
It is impossible to miss the Kingdom Centre in Riyadh. The twin peaks of this ultra-modern, glass skyscraper are 300 metres high and joined by an accessible steel and glass bridge on the 99th floor.
Those willing to brave the high-speed elevator to its summit are rewarded with an unparalleled view. Far below, hemmed in by desert, is a city in constant flux. Cars travel methodically around a dizzying maze of highways and construction sites, including for a new metro system expected to open later this year.
Riyadh is a blend of old and new. Historic mosques and souks have stood resolutely against new designer malls and galleries, part of a society-wide juggling act between tradition and modernisation.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inFeatures
Last updated
Copy- Captain Marvel: how a modern master of Cheltenham and a genuine pioneer executed one of the shocks of the year
- 'We’re delighted with how it's going' - joint-trainers prepare for exciting year after Flat string is doubled
- 'We’ve had to work hard this sales season' - Kennet Valley seeking to build on success with biggest string
- Alastair Down's archives: the great writer recalls Coneygree's glorious victory in the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup
- Kauto Star: the extraordinary talent who became the benchmark for sheer undiluted quality
- Captain Marvel: how a modern master of Cheltenham and a genuine pioneer executed one of the shocks of the year
- 'We’re delighted with how it's going' - joint-trainers prepare for exciting year after Flat string is doubled
- 'We’ve had to work hard this sales season' - Kennet Valley seeking to build on success with biggest string
- Alastair Down's archives: the great writer recalls Coneygree's glorious victory in the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup
- Kauto Star: the extraordinary talent who became the benchmark for sheer undiluted quality