An investigation is underway into the victory of the horse Mahli following a protest by Prince Faisal bin Khalid
The equestrian community in Saudi Arabia has been gripped by controversy and anticipation in recent hours following the victory of the horse "Mahli" in the eighth race of the 26th King's Cup (G3). The crisis erupted after Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, owner of the renowned Red Stable, expressed his strong displeasure and publicly protested the horse's participation and first-place finish, citing a previous official decision to suspend the horse for testing positive for banned substances.
Details of Prince Faisal bin Khalid's protest
Prince Faisal bin Khalid strongly criticized the procedures that allowed the horse "Mahli" to participate in the race, questioning how the existing suspension order was circumvented. The Prince described what happened as a "blatant disregard" for the rules and regulations governing this time-honored sport, holding the Equestrian Authority responsible and blaming it. In his widely reported remarks, he said, "I am furious, and what happened is a grave mistake," emphasizing his intention to file a formal protest to ensure that those responsible for this error are held accountable and that the regulations are applied fairly and transparently to guarantee the integrity of the competition.
Immediate response from the Horse Racing Club
In response, the Jockey Club took Prince Faisal bin Khalid's statements very seriously. The club issued an official statement confirming its close monitoring of the situation, explaining that the Chairman of the Board had issued immediate directives to investigate all aspects of the incident and review the procedures preceding the horse's participation. The statement emphasized the need to promptly release the investigation's findings to the public and the sporting community. The club also expressed its deep appreciation for Prince Faisal bin Khalid's leading role in supporting the sport of our forefathers, while simultaneously stressing the independence of the technical committees and the impartiality of their decisions, in accordance with international standards.
The importance of the race and the context of the Saudi Cup
This incident is doubly significant given the prestige of the race in which it occurred; the eighth race of the 26th King Salman Cup meeting serves as a direct qualifier for the main event of the prestigious Saudi Cup. The Saudi Cup is the world's richest horse race and a sporting event that places the Kingdom on the global sporting map, making adherence to technical standards and integrity paramount. Any flaw in the qualifying rounds could tarnish the reputation of this international championship, which attracts global attention annually.
International standards and integrity in horse racing
The Saudi Arabian Racing Club's move aligns with the Kingdom's commitment to upholding the highest standards of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). Doping and the use of prohibited substances are a red line in international racing, and the Kingdom is striving to solidify its position as a leading global destination in this field. The investigation's findings are expected to provide a comprehensive picture, either confirming the integrity of the procedures or holding those responsible accountable, thus preserving fair competition and the long-standing reputation of Saudi Arabian stables.
