'This is very different - we're trying to build an industry on the back of this'

Saudi Cup organisers unveil big plans for horseracing in the Middle East

The runners race away from the stalls on the opening day of the Saudi Cup meeting in Riyadh on FridayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Golf is a hot topic in Saudi Arabia at the moment and there's more than just a hint of the Ryder Cup about Saturday's $20 million Saudi Cup, with Europe's best taking on the might of America in the world's richest race.

Saudi Arabia has shown huge sporting ambition in recent years and persistent talk of a Saudi golf tour to rival the PGA has certainly ruffled feathers in the United States.

A report by the human rights organisation Grant Liberty 11 months ago found that Saudi Arabia had invested at least $1.5bn in professional sport, including football, tennis and snooker.

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Lewis PorteousReporter

Published on 25 February 2022inInternational

Last updated 16:15, 25 February 2022

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