Tilal Al Khalediah wins G1 Ministry of Culture Al Mneefah Cup (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/Mathea Kelley)
Superstar 6-Year-Old Is a Champion on Grass and Dirt
Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia Press Release
RIYADH— The Naser Mutlaq-trained Tilal Al Khalediah (KSA) wrote himself into the history books when he stormed home in the US $1.5m Ministry of Culture Al Mneefah Cup, a Group 1 event for Purebred Arabians.
A winner of last year’s Group 1 Diriyah Gate Development Authority Obaiyah Arabian Classic, the now 6-year-old proved just as efficient on turf as on dirt.
Ridden as always by local jockey Adel Alfouraidi, Tilal Al Khalediah waited patiently in mid-division before making his move when the field, which had been led by his stable companion Turki Al Khalediah II (KSA), turned into the final straight.
Very quickly he kicked clear and while French raider Moshrif (FR) tried hard to get to him, he pulled away from him to win the 2100m race in 2:21.97 and by three and a quarter lengths. Behind the duo, Mutbahy Athbah (FR), another French raider, finished in third place.
It is the first time that a horse has recorded consecutive wins at The Saudi Cup meeting. Not only has the son of Laith Al Khaledia and Aaseyat Al Khalediah won two races, he has proved that he is a true champion by winning on both surfaces.
Quotes
Naser Mutlaq, trainer, Tilal Al Khalediah, 1st: “I made sure that he only ran in the big races and took care of him. He always wins in the dirt races but the turf was a good test and he shows great improvement.
“It’s very important for the race to be a Group 1. I have got heroes in my stable and I want to turn them into champions.”
