Smith Takes Saudi Jockey Challenge

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Mike Smith, with two wins on the day, may have won the International Jockey Challenge at King Abdulaziz Racetrack Friday, but it was the women-allowed to ride in Saudi Arabia for the first time-who stole the show. New Zealand jockey Lisa Allpress became the first woman to ever ride the winner of a race in the country when she captured the first leg of the challenge aboard Matmon (KSA) (Kreem {GB}) and the event was bookended by winning women when Sibylle Vogt captured the last leg aboard Sabeq'hom (KSA) (Cairo Prince). Vogt also had a pair of third-place efforts on the day to finish second behind Smith in the final standings. Allpress and Mickaelle Michel tied for third.

“It was a fun way to start with the International Jockey Challenge and it being the first time women were allowed to ride here,” Smith said. “And they proved today that they belong anyplace against anybody. They are leading riders.”

Allpress was pragmatic about her historic win.

“I've never felt like a female jockey,” she said. “I'm just a jockey that's out there being a jockey. And we compete against the males all the time. We can achieve as much as they can.”

Vogt's victory in the last leg of the challenge was extra special for the young Swiss rider.

“My idol is Frankie Dettori,” she said with a laugh. “And I am so happy he was behind me.”

Dettori finished third behind Vogt in the day's seventh race and challenge finale event.

Smith will partner with filly champion Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute) in the $20-million Saudi Cup and hopes the girl power continues into Saturday.

“We saw how well the females did tonight,” Smith said. “I hope Midnight does the same thing tomorrow. She is a filly against the boys, but she deserves a chance.”

Smith had nothing but praise for the dirt track in Riyadh following his first rides over it Friday.

“It is probably one of the best dirt courses I've ever been on, to be honest with you,” he said. “I like that it is so kind. The kickback is very, very kind. You only need one pair of goggles to go 1 1/8 miles, which is incredible. It reminds me a whole lot of Hialeah back in the day in Florida where they used to grow these beanstalks on the racetrack during the off season and then they would harrow it into the racetrack so there was an element of something different besides just dirt. It would keep the dirt from clogging up. That's what this feels like.”