Mike Smith wins Historic International Jockeys' Challenge in Riyadh Lisa Allpress gallops to glory as she becomes first woman to ride a winner race in KSA

US Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith emerged victorious in the STC International Jockeys Challenge on Friday at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack here.
While Smith's two success from four rounds of the competition, which featured 14 invited riders from around the globe, saw him out on his own in front, Lisa Allpress had already achieved a notable milestone in the opening leg, the $400,000 STC Dare, as she became the first female jockey to ride a winner in Saudi Arabia.
The multi-decorated 54-year-old, who boasts the 2018 Triple Crown among his numerous honors, stole an easy lead in round two, the $400,000 STC Cloud over 1600m, aboard the Saleh Suliman Alhamd-owned Sun Hat which he never looked likely to relinquish.
Then in round three, the $400,000 stc Pay over 1800m, he again finished well clear aboard the consistent Paris, in the colors of Sharaf Mohammed S. Al Hariri.
"At my age I'm stoked to win this jockeys challenge," said Smith. "I'm so happy and very blessed. I was hoping to do well in the challenge and then we have the Saudi Cup tomorrow and I'm really, really looking forward to tomorrow. I think my filly tomorrow in the Saudi Cup, Midnight Bisou is going to love this track, she acts like she will.
"I'm proud to start the time I'm here off by winning tonight in great fashion. I'll be back, I love this place and I love that dirt course out there. It's the best dirt course I've been on.
It's very kind and very good for a horse and America should really take a look at this surface. Man, it's kind and when it feels kind it is kind. I absolutely loved it."
New Zealand jockey Lisa Allpress was one of seven female jockeys making their debuts in Saudi Arabia and she was delighted to be part of the event.
A multiple champion in her homeland of New Zealand, Allpress had to wait until late in the day as Olivier Peslier, riding Motayammen, was in full control in the lead. However, with 400m remaining, his horse began to falter and Allpress, riding Matmon, began to close.
Just before the line, Matmon put his head past Motayammen and Allpress, wearing the white colours of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Sons, punched her fist in celebration.
"I came here with no expectations, I just wanted to enjoy the experience, but we have been very well looked after and I want to thank everyone who has organized it," said Allpress.
"That means a lot. I'm just so thankful to get the invite to come here.
"Where I come from it's not a crazy thing for a woman to be riding in the big races but this means a lot. I'm just happy to be here and doing my thing. I came here with an open mind and I'm extremely thankful to be asked.
"I had a good chat with Mr. (Phil) Tuck and the handicapper (Phil Smith) and we went through my rides and it basically made me relax and go out there and have fun. It's very ground-breaking and I can't believe it, it's very special."
The concluding round saw Swiss-born, German-based Sibylle Vogt join the honors board as she edged a very tight finish to the $400,000 STC 5G over 1200m. A strong ride on Sabeq'hom saw her hold off Canadian Emma-Jayne Wilson and Alshatherwan.
Vogt also took second position in the overall results with 29 points, with Smith picking up 33.
She said: "It's really nice to win on a night like this. I was so excited to be here and the night was so special, and for three women to be in the top places (second and a tie for third) is great."