Guillermo Arizkorreta, the dominant force in Spanish racing, is set to make another bid for international success as he sends ALCARAZ to Riyadh for the $500,000 Saudi International Handicap presented by NHC. With thirteen Spanish champion trainer titles to his name and a track record of success across Europe, Arizkorreta now sets his sights on the Middle East once more.
This will be his third attempt at the race, which is exclusively open to horses trained in Part II and III countries of the IFHA’s Blue Book. Last year, his runner SIR ROQUE delivered a commendable fourth-place finish, marking the best result yet for the Madrid-based trainer in Saudi Arabia. Now, ALCARAZ carries Spain’s hopes in the competitive 2100-metre handicap, taking on challengers from Bahrain, Qatar, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and the Czech Republic.
Arizkorreta has long recognized the value of international competition and sees the Saudi International Handicap as a crucial opportunity for trainers from less prominent racing nations. “The International Handicap is a very good idea for Part II countries,” he said. “They give us a chance to win big prize money and advertise ourselves, so we are very grateful. Coming to Saudi has always been a very good experience, and we have been very well looked after. It would be great to win one year.”
Despite Spain hosting only around 80 race meetings annually, Arizkorreta has actively pursued racing opportunities beyond its borders. His runners have competed in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the UK, and Morocco, earning significant prize money along the way. His willingness to travel has paid dividends, including a memorable Group-race double in Germany and even success on the ice at St. Moritz.
The trainer’s early career shaped his international approach. He honed his craft under Luca Cumani in the UK, Con Collins in Ireland, and fellow Spaniard Carlos Laffon-Parias in France. That foundation has contributed to his remarkable milestone of 1,000 career wins, a figure he is eager to double in the near future.
ALCARAZ, a six-year-old son of INTELLO, was previously trained in France by Jean-Claude Rouget before joining Arizkorreta’s stable last year. The gelding arrives in Saudi Arabia with solid form from Spain, and he will have the services of former British champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa in the saddle on February 22. “The horse came to me last year with some good form from France,” Arizkorreta explained. “He has been running alright in Spain, and he seems in good form. I hope he runs well.”
