Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia announced that Women are most welcome to participate in the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, which will be held next year.

Female jockeys will be encouraged to take part in a new 27 million dollars horse racing meeting in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Cup will be the world’s richest race and is scheduled to take place in the nation’s capital, Riyadh, on 29 February next year.

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Bandar said female jockeys would be most welcome, the country has faced criticism over its record on women’s rights.

The race over a distance of nine furlongs, 1,800 meters, on the dirt track will have a maximum field of 14 starters and will be free to enter and to participate in.

Prince Bandar referred to an announcement earlier this month that Saudi Arabia would open its doors to tourists from around the world by the end of 2019.

A promotional event in London was attended by key British racing figures, including jockey Frankie Dettori and top trainers such as Sir Michael Stoute and John Gosden.