France-based Maryline Eon wins International Jockeys Challenge

A rapid start saw accomplished rider Maryline Eon, based in France, lift first prize in the International Jockeys Challenge at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Friday.

In round no. 1, she finished second behind jockey Camilo Ospina, the eventual second-place finisher in the challenge. That was followed by a victory in round no. 2, an event over about seven furlongs, with a fine hold-up ride on Mo Aela. Eon ended on 25 points from four rides and despite being out of the places in the last two rounds, her early efforts were enough to secure the largest share of the $100,000 prize.

Visiting rider Victoria Mota, based in Brazil, could not manage a win on the evening but reached the podium to place third.

"I didn’t know at first I’d won, I thought I would need to get points in the last race," Eon said.

"I’m very proud. I try every day to win races in France and ride against very good jockeys but to win this against the very best jockeys in the world – I’m very grateful."

Ryusei Sakei and Mostakmelah had made a bold move from home closer to the fair rail in round no. 2 but Mo Aela was being wound up for his challenge. In the end, it wasn’t a contest as Eon, who has already claimed a prize for a similar jockey competition in Sweden and was the first woman to ride in the historic French Oaks (G1), flew three and three-quarter lengths clear of Sakei.

"I’m very proud, I’ve been riding for 15 years and to win a race against all these amazing jockeys here is very rewarding," Eon said after the win.

"I’m living the dream. To win a race on the Saudi Cup weekend in front of this crowd that is so welcoming is just amazing."

Saudi Arabia’s multiple title-winner Ospina knows every metre of the dirt track and he delivered a perfectly-timed ride to lift round no. 1, a race at about a mile.

The Colombia-born rider held Altawhidi up well off the pace and moved into the centre of the track to deliver his challenge half-way down the straight. As Saffie Osborne’s mount Hatm and eventual third Ibn Hadhbaan and Mota began to fade, Ospina powered away to win fairly easily by a length and a quarter from Eon’s mount Shibl Lat’taam.

"This is the best week for me, it’s my home here and it was a great experience," Ospina said. "The year is going well and I also have a ride in The Saudi Cup on Carmel Road, so hopefully he can run well."

Luis Saez was last year’s challenge winner. The brilliant rider, from Panama and based in the United States, struck aboard Pagan in round no. 3, on turf over about six furlongs.

Ospina and Beehive set the gallop but Saez was on his shoulder and set sail for home with two furlongs left, leaving enough in hand to to pass the line a length in front of Mota and Monaasib, who had to wait for a gap.

"I’m truly grateful to be back," Saez said. "I love riding around here, I love the place and I love the people. "It was super exciting, last year was a great day and today I wanted to enjoy it. I got a winner and was back in the game."

South Africa trailblazer Rachel Venniker saved her best until last in Round 4, on the turf over about 1 5/16 miles, with a positive ride on Cliffs Of Fury paying off as her mount lasted home, a quarter of a length in front of Prefontaine and Alysha Collet.

"I didn’t know I had won, I was just roaring him across the line, hoping I had held on. And we did!" Venniker said.

"It is phenomenal! It is my first time to ride outside of South Africa and I have so many people to thank. Michael Roberts (top-class jockey-turned trainer) has helped me so much back home, but thank you to everyone who has supported me. I would also like to thank the owner and trainer of this horse Cliffs Of Fury."

Saez and Venniker eventually tied for fourth.