Ta'if

Racing in Saudi Arabia returned on Thursday with the start of the summer season from Taif. A total of 351 races will take place across 39 race meetings from King Khaled Racecourse, which has an altitude high enough to ensure cool temperatures suitable for racing during the summer months. September's King Faisal Cup, run over 1,600 metres for Purebred Arabians, has been upgraded to international Group 3 status ahead of the new season, meaning it will be the only Group 3 for Purebred Arabians run on dirt in the Gulf...

Trainer Jimmy Jerkens, who relocated to Saudi Arabia earlier this year to take up a position as private trainer to Prince Faisal bin Khalid Al Saud, was represented by his first winner when  Honky Tonk Man (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) won a 1400-meter allowance Saturday afternoon at King Khalid Racecourse in Ta'if, about 500 miles southwest of Riyadh. Ridden by former U.S.-based jockey Wigberto Ramos from gate 16, Honky Tonk Man--who was second to fellow American-bred Chiefdom (The Factor) when becoming Jerkens's first runner in a 0-90 handicap July 15--raced with...