Stars confirmed for the International Jockeys’ Challenge in Riyadh

Mickael Barzalona, Flavien Prat, Dylan Browne McMonagle, Saffie Osborne, and Hollie Doyle will be among the major names headlining the tournament, part of the Saudi Cup meeting

An exciting edition of the Jockey’s Challenge is coming to Riyadh / JCSA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Special for Turf Diario).— The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has revealed the names of the protagonists who will bring the 2026 Saudi Cup International Jockeys’ Challenge to life. The event, which will take place at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 13, will feature figures of the stature of Mickael Barzalona—hero of the Japan Cup—the brand-new Irish Champion Dylan Browne McMonagle, and the defending champion, Mohammed Aldaham.

There will be 7 women and 7 men shaping this four-race series, which has already become a classic of the world's richest racing weekend. The female delegation boasts heavyweights such as Saffie Osborne and Hollie Doyle (United Kingdom), Marie Velon (France), Angela Jones (Australia), and Forest Boyce (United States). On the men's side, the North American-based Frenchman Flavien Prat stands out.

The local contingent will be represented by Mohammed Aldaham, who made history in 2025 as the first Saudi to lift the trophy, and the Panamanian Luis Morales, a jockey fully adapted to the environment with over 600 victories on Saudi tracks.

Mickael Barzalona arrives following a dream 2025 season, where he secured numerous G1 victories, including the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, the King George VI Stakes, the British Champion Stakes, and the Japan Cup aboard Calandagan (Gleneagles), not to mention his successes in the French 1000 Guineas and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Alongside him will be the 22-year-old rising talent Dylan Browne McMonagle, a multiple G1 winner crowned Champion Jockey in Ireland last November. Like McMonagle, Flavien Prat will be making his debut in the challenge. The Frenchman is a dominant force in the United States, remembered for his 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1)success with Country House (Lookin At Lucky) and his multiple Breeders’ Cup victories, most notably the 2022 Classic (G1) with the phenomenal and undefeated Flightline (Tapit).

The men's team is completed by the experienced Japanese rider Keita Tosaki—who has surpassed 4,000 wins and has piloted champions such as Real Impact (Deep Impact) and Danon Decile (Epiphaneia)—and the British revelation Billy Loughnane. At just 17 years old, Loughnane was Champion Apprentice and, as of December 31, 2025, broke modern records by closing the year with 223 victories.

Hollie Doyle and Saffie Osborne are already familiar with racing in Riyadh. Doyle, making her third appearance, previously shone in the 2021 Neom Turf Cup with True Self (Oscar) for Willie Mullins. She arrives at this edition following a successful stint in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Osborne returns after a breakout 2024 where she rode Heart of Honor (Honor Code) in the Preakness (G1) and the Belmont Stakes (G1), in addition to excelling in Meydan.

From the United States comes Forest Boyce, one of Maryland’s most respected riders with over 1,000 wins and $40 million in earnings. Australia will be represented by Angela Jones, a star from Queensland who maintains a lethal partnership with trainer Tony Gollan.

The European contingent is bolstered by the six-time Cravache d’Or Féminine winner Marie Velon—famous for her association with Iresine (Manduro)—and debutantes Nina Baltromei and Frida Valle-Skar. Baltromei made history in 2025 as the first woman to win the Deutsches Derby (G1), while the Swede Valle-Skar recently broke a 54-year jinx in the German 2000 Guineas (Cologne) by winning with the filly Matilda (Soldier Hollow).

HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Al Faisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, stated: “The International Jockeys’ Challenge is one of my favorite parts of the Saudi Cup weekend. It is the only challenge in the world that includes an equal number of men and women competing individually.”

“The JCSA is proud to promote this equal-opportunity event, reflecting the message of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Jockeys are inspiring athletes, and I look forward to welcoming them personally to King Abdulaziz,” he concluded.