‘They celebrated for hours’ – top commentator John Hunt relives incredible 2022 Saudi Cup
WITH the £16.5 million Saudi Cup just around the corner, top commentator John Hunt has relived his experience of calling the big race 12 months ago.
Emblem Road stunned the racing world when becoming the first Saudi-trained winner of the world’s most valuable race.
AFPCountry Grammar and Frankie Dettori will go for the Saudi Cup this month[/caption]
Hunt, who is also the chief racing commentator for the BBC, called him home in spine-tingling style: “Emblem Road to the front…a huge shock, but they love it here in Saudi Arabia!”
While re-watching last year’s race, Hunt points out what he was most aware of when the gates opened and the 14 runners left the stalls with nine furlongs between them and Saudi Cup glory.
He said: “Emblem Road was slowly away you just forget that – he was last early on.”
Then, with the field racing round the home turn, Hunt observed the threat of the strong travelling American horses.
He continued: “Look at the massed ranks of the Americans all in behind, including Midnight Bourbon, who I thought was going to slug it out and really be a big threat.
“And there on the outside the two Saudi horses, Making Miracles, who I’d known from his time in Great Britain – winning the Chester Cup in the mud – and Emblem Road on the outside.”
OFFERS OF THE DAY
William Hill: Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets – CLAIM HERE
Betfair: Bet £10 Get £30 – CLAIM HERE
Paddy Power: Bet £20 and get it back as Cash if it Loses – CLAIM HERE
Sky Bet: Bet £10 on Racing and get £30 in free bets – CLAIM HERE
Coral: Bet £5 Get £20 – CLAIM HERE
William Hill: 18+. Play Safe. When you sign-up via Mobile using promo code P40 and place a bet of £10/€10 or more we will give you 4x £10/€10 free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. Virtual markets excluded. #ad begambleaware.org
Betfair – Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly 18+ begambleaware.org
Paddy Power: New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any market at odds of min 2.0 (EVS) and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using cards will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. 18+ Begambleaware.org
Sky Bet: New customers only. First single & e/w bet only odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets only redeemable on horse racing. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions and further t&cs apply.
Coral: Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cash-out, restrictions & T&Cs apply. 18+ T&Cs Apply. Begambleaware.org
The finish looked set to be fought out by American duo Midnight Bourbon and Country Grammer, but there was a surprise in store for the crowds watching in the stands at King Abdulaziz Racecourse and the countless others viewing from around the world.
Hunt said: “Down to the business end it looked as though it was going to be Country Grammer or Midnight Bourbon – two of the highest profile horses in the world.
“And then this little fella on the outside, Emblem Road, kicks in and the noise at this stage was absolutely extraordinary. He wins by a neck, half-a-length and cue bedlam.
“What was amazing was the noise didn’t let up, there was no lull thereafter. The celebrations seemingly kept on for hours and hours. Great, great memories.”
This year’s Saudi Cup meeting will take place at King Abdulaziz Racecourse from 24 – 25 February 2023.
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
