Rattle N Roll rolls in prep for $20M Saudi Cup

Press release by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia’s communications department (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/Ali AlZenaidi photo of Rattle N Roll winning the G3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup under Joel Rosario)

Sunday 26 January 2025 – Kentucky-based Rattle N Roll came from the clouds to run out a comfortable winner of the Group 3 The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for trainer Kenny McPeek, booking his place in the field for the $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday 22 February.

Rattle N Roll was coming off victory in Churchill Downs’ Grade 2 Clark Stakes on Nov. 29. Now 6, the son of Connect has won more than $2 million and six graded stakes in the United Stakes, including at ages 2 (Keeneland’s Grade 1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity), 3, 4 and 5.

Leased for his Middle Eastern campaign by Saudi Arabian businessman Sharaf Al Hariri from US connections, Lucky Seven Stables of Louisville, Rattle and Roll was settled well off the pace after emerging from stall 10. US Hall of Fame rider, Joel Rosario patiently waited in behind as fellow American runner EJ Won The Cup (USA), under Mike Smith, set a strong gallop at the front of the field.

Off the home turn Rattle N Roll and Rosario began to make ground and, when switched towards the inside rail, the son of Connect stayed on strongly to power clear in the closing stages, winning by four-and-three-quarter lengths at the line.

After the race, Rosario said: “The horse was able to do everything. I was just sitting there, the pace was good in front and it worked out perfectly. 

“It looked like it was a good pace, I just wanted to let him be where he wanted to be and hopefully he can run at the end, and he did! He just went away [after crossing the line]. It was a very good win.”

It marked a double on the day for the US-based rider, who was also successful aboard Ancestral Land (GB) for Saudi-based trainer, Jimmy Jerkens in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier presented by REEF.

After his double, Rosario said: “It’s very nice to be here. We had two winners – it was a good day. There are so many things that have to go your way, but it’s a blessing when you can win.”

Commenting on Rattle N Roll’s chance in next month’s Saudi Cup over course and distance, he said: “He handled the track well and we beat good horses today. A lot of good horses are going to be coming here, it’ll be a tough race, but we’ll see what happens – hopefully he can perform the way he did today.”