American Horses Delayed in Return From Saudi Arabia

Several American horses have been delayed in returning from Saudi Arabia because of transportation glitches, trainers and Saudi officials said March 9.

The group traveled to compete either in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) Feb. 26 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, or in races on the undercard. 

Held up in Riyadh are Bruce Lunsford's Art Collector , a Bill Mott trainee who finished 12th in the Saudi Cup, Calumet Farm's Channel Cat  , a Jack Sisterson trainee who fell in the Neom Turf Cup Presented by Jahez (G3), and Juddmonte's Mandaloun , who finished ninth in the Saudi Cup for trainer Brad Cox. All are grade 1 winners; Mandaloun was recently named winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) upon the disqualification of Medina Spirit.

Sisterson said the horses were scheduled to leave Riyadh March 5. Mott said the transportation company handling arrangements "is now saying they're coming out on Sunday (March 13). That's just the latest."

Tom Ryan, director of strategy and international racing for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, told BloodHorse the delay was precipitated by "one or two scheduling issues" involving aircraft.

"The whole thing should be done in the next couple of days," he added.

Sisterson said Saudi officials have been in frequent contact with him and he has no concerns about the welfare of Channel Cat, a 7-year-old son of English Channel who escaped injury in his fall. 

"He's in good hands," Sisterson said. "They've been in touch with us. It's not like they've abandoned us. We're grateful for everything they're doing."

Mott said an assistant trainer stayed with Art Collector, a 5-year-old son of Bernardini, in Saudi Arabia while two other employees traveled to Dubai with Casa Creed , who finished second in the 1351 Turf Sprint Presented by stc (G3). He said the assistant is pitching in to look after the other American horses.

"We're fortunate to have him there," Mott said.

"This is an inconvenience. Most of us would like to have our horses back home and back in training by now," Mott added. "Normally it's 60 days or so after they get back that they're ready again.

"I'm annoyed right now, but I'll get over it," Mott said.

Bob Baffert's two trainees—Pinehurst , winner of the Al Rajhi Bank Saudi Derby (G3) and Country Grammer , who was just caught in the final strides by Emblem Road to finish second in the Saudi Cup—also shipped to Dubai shortly after the Saudi races to run there March 26 on the Dubai World Cup card.