Angela Jones invited to 2026 International Jockeys’ Challenge
Champion Queensland jockey Angela Jones will join a world-class field of riders in the 2026 International Jockeys’ Challenge, unveiled Wednesday as part of the Saudi Cup meeting in Riyadh.
The four-race contest, featuring 14 jockeys – seven men and seven women – returns with reigning champion and local hero Mohammed Aldaham aiming to defend his crown.
Among the male contenders are Mickael Barzalona, regular rider of Longines World’s Highest Rated Racehorse Calandagan, and 2025 Irish Champion Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, who spent considerable time in Australia as a younger jockey.
Panama’s Luis Morales, now based in Saudi Arabia, joins Aldaham, alongside French ace Flavien Prat, Japan’s Keita Tosaki, and Britain’s rising star Billy Loughnane.
The women’s roster boasts Britain’s Hollie Doyle and Saffie Osborne, French champion Marie Velon, and America’s Forest Boyce.
Jones will fly the flag for Australia, while debutantes Nina Baltromei of Germany and Sweden’s Frida Valle-Skar – who rides primarily in France – round out the international line-up.
HRH Prince Bandar bin Khaled Al Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, hailed the event’s unique format:
“The Saudi Cup International Jockeys’ Challenge is the only contest worldwide featuring equal numbers of men and women competing individually. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 commitment to equality in sport.”
