French rider Maryline Eon lifted the challenge trophy for the Invest Saudi International Jockeys Challenge at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Friday and secured the largest share of the prize-money. Saudi Arabia's multiple title-winning Camilo Ospina would finish second and visiting Brazilian rider Victoria Mota reached the final podium spot in third despite not managing a win on the evening.
A brisk early start in the contest, which went down to the wire, saw Eon hold off all challengers late thanks to those early efforts, ending on 25 points from four rides. She claimed a runner-up finish in Round 1 behind Ospina on Altawhidi (KSA) and a victory in Round 2 over 1400m aboard Mo Aela (KSA).
“I didn't know at first I'd won, I thought I would need to get points in the last race,” Eon said. “I'm very proud. I try every day to win races in France and ride against very good jockeys but to win this against the very best jockeys in the world–I'm very grateful.”
Round 3 went to America as Luis Saez, last year's winner, struck with Pagan (Ire) in a turf sprint, and Round 4 was claimed by South African Rachel Venniker, who willed her mount Cliffs Of Fury (GB) over the line to claim the final points race. Saez and Venniker tied for fourth place.
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