Newly crowned Longines World’s Best Jockey James McDonald is set to make his first appearance in Saudi Arabia at the 2025 International Jockeys’ Challenge (IJC). The event will take place at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on February 21, just one day before McDonald attempts to secure victory in the $20 million Saudi Cup aboard Romantic Warrior.

McDonald, a global force in racing with 106 Group 1 victories across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the UK, and Japan, will compete in the IJC alongside some of the world’s finest jockeys. His partnership with Romantic Warrior, a three-time Hong Kong Cup winner and the world’s highest-earning racehorse, has brought him international acclaim. Together, they will seek the ultimate prize in the world’s richest race on February 22.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The 2025 IJC features an exceptional mix of talent, with seven male and seven female jockeys representing some of the biggest names in racing. Among the highlights:

John Velazquez (USA): The legendary jockey, with over 6,000 career wins and six Classic victories, will make his IJC debut after competing on Saudi Cup night last year.

Christophe Soumillon (Belgium): A two-time Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe-winning rider, Soumillon returns to Riyadh for his first IJC, having notched a win at King Abdulaziz Racecourse back in 2004.

Hollie Doyle (UK): Fresh from a stellar year that included dual Group 1 wins, Doyle will compete in her second IJC, having first appeared in 2021.

Oisin Murphy (UK/Ireland): The four-time British Champion Jockey returns after an impressive 2024 season, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap and a Group 1 win in Hong Kong.

Rachel King (UK/Australia): The Australian-based star adds Saudi Arabia to her growing international résumé, following her recent Group 3 success in Japan.

The competition also welcomes defending champion Maryline Eon, inaugural IJC winner Sibylle Vogt, and rising stars like Japan’s Manami Nagashina and Canada-based Sofia Vives. Two leading Saudi-based riders will be announced later, completing the roster.

The IJC Format

The IJC consists of four races, split evenly between dirt and turf tracks, each with a total purse of $400,000. Riders earn points based on their finishes, with 15 points awarded for first place, 10 for second, and so on. The jockey with the highest total after the four races will claim the prestigious title and a share of the $100,000 prize fund, including $30,000 for the winner.

In addition to the IJC rewards, jockeys will receive 15% of prize money from their individual race earnings, adding extra incentive in this high-stakes competition.

A Global Spectacle

With its diverse lineup of elite jockeys and a rich history of competitive racing, the International Jockeys’ Challenge promises to be a highlight of the 2025 Saudi Cup weekend. For McDonald, this debut marks yet another milestone in his extraordinary career, as he takes on a fresh challenge and aims to make his mark in The Kingdom.

2025 IJC Lineup:

Maryline Eon (France) – 2024 IJC Winner

Christophe Soumillon (Belgium)

Rachel King (UK/Australia)

John Velazquez (USA)

Hollie Doyle (UK)

James McDonald (New Zealand/Australia)

Manami Nagashina (Japan)

Oisin Murphy (UK/Ireland)

Kelly Myers (New Zealand)

Tadhg O’Shea (UAE/Ireland)

Sofia Vives (Canada)

Sibylle Vogt (Switzerland/Germany)

TBC (Saudi-based rider)

TBC (Saudi-based rider)

 Image HKJC