Supplier adds 351 races from Saudi Arabia as new season gets underway

SIS (Sports Information Services), the leading multi-content supplier of 24/7 live betting services, has added racing from King Khalid Racecourse in Ta’if to its comprehensive horse racing portfolio, which will further boost visibility of racing from Saudi Arabia.

The 2024 Ta’if season will be held from July 4^th through September 28^th with races and simulcasts taking place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at King Khalid Racecourse.

The city of Ta’if is located 1,800m above sea level in the slopes of the picturesque Hijaz Mountains. The combination of moderate weather and a large population has made it the perfect home of summer racing in the Middle East since 1965.

The 39 race days are comprised of 273 Thoroughbred and 78 Purebred Arabians races. The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) has carded more handicaps this season as well as prep races for all major cups, offering a clear campaign path for horses and an opportunity to rise through the ranks through the Riyadh season. The prize money has increased 24% from last season with a race average of SAR104,378 (approx. US$27,800).

The key races include the Ta’if Arabian Derby on September 6^th, the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup (Listed) and Listed King Faisal Cup (Listed) on September 20^th for Purebred Arabians.

The extended agreement with the JCSA strengthens SIS’ portfolio of over 36,000 annual horse races, which includes the Riyadh season at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. SIS distributes racing from both JCSA racetracks to over 70 countries and is highlighted by the US$20M Saudi Cup in February.

Michele Fischer, Vice President, SIS Content Services, said: “The quality of racing in Saudi Arabia continues to improve each year and it is great that we are now able to provide our partners with content from King Khalid Racecourse in Ta’if, the only racecourse in the region that races throughout the summer months.

“The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has worked tirelessly to produce an engaging racing calendar and we are sure the addition of racing from Ta’if will lead to even more interest in Saudia Arabian racing.”

Innovative Technology (ITL) have recently launched a Alerts App to complement their product range which provides access control to age related products, services and venues. Customers who use ITL’s age and identity verification solutions can now enable remote alerts to a mobile device when an age check is required.

ITL Product Manager, Dr Andrew O’Brien said, “We have several AI-based age check solutions that can be used at different touchpoints within an organisation. The app links all devices deployed at various locations on the premises. If we take a casino for example, ICU Lite can be fully integrated in a gaming machine to prevent underage play, and a standalone MyCheckr device can be deployed at the entrance picking up anyone underage trying to enter. Both can talk to the Alerts App to send notifications to staff that someone potentially underage is either entering the premises or trying to play on a machine. The Alerts App can be installed on an android phone or tablet, allowing instant communication and centralised management of all connected devices. Any customers already using our age check technology who would like to trial the app can contact their sales representative for more information”

Park Holidays UK are a great example of how the new app, connected to a MyCheckr, is being utilised to prevent children entering Adult Gaming Centres (AGC), alerting staff of any attempted underage entry. Jay Muzzell, Head of EPOS, AV & Security for Park Holidays UK Ltd said, “Adding MyCheckr with the Alerts App into the first two parks will help us to bolster our Challenge 25 policy and makes it easier for staff when deciding if they need to ask customers for ID.”

ITL are also successfully trialling the Alerts App with tobacco agents, operators of casinos, and motorway service stations with gaming areas.

Explaining the features in more detail Andrew said, “The app informs staff of any pending age approval requests which they can either accept or deny remotely without having to leave their post. If a physical ID check is needed, it clearly highlights the location of the pending request. As with all our age check devices, no personal data is ever stored so privacy is assured. The app also logs all activity, providing evidence of age checks performed, time and location. This electronic record is created automatically, and a report can be produced for compliance audits. Young looking staff can also be pre-approved to stop them activating an alert. Not only does this technology help prevent minors accessing age restricted areas and services – it also enhances the overall customer experience and improves staff efficiency.”

Concluding Andrew said, “With ongoing government regulations regarding the tightening of age verification in the gambling sector, the need and uptake of automated age check technology will undoubtedly increase. We can assist by providing a tool which is dependable, accurate and affordable. And to complete our offering, with the Alerts App we can put notifications, information and remote management capabilities in the hands of store or venue staff to elevate access control management.”