Total Performance Data (TPD) has signed an agreement with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA), to track data from the Saudi Cup race meeting. 

The multi-year deal was launched at this year’s Saudi Cup, held last weekend, with the live horse race data provider leveraging its tracking system at the event in cooperation with the JCSA.

Moving forward, TPD will track every runner in every Saudi Arabian race, meaning that the two day annual Saudi Cup meeting will be backed by its in-running data. 

“We are honoured to have gone live with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia in what is a very exciting deal for us as we continue to expand our global footprint,” said Will Duff Gordon, TPD CEO.

“Racing in the territory is getting bigger every season and you just have to look at the calibre of horse that ran there over the weekend for evidence of that. It’s a very exciting time to be involved with racing in Saudi Arabia and it’s fantastic that our offering will be part of the world’s richest race, The Saudi Cup, every February.”

The partnership is TPD’s first in the Middle East, meaning its data teams now operate in five countries. The company has also highlighted the global presence of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Racetrack and King Khalid Racetrack.

Tom Ryan, Director of the Saudi Cup, commented: “We are very pleased to have TPD’s tracking technology in place for all our race days and were impressed by how quickly the service was up and running. 

“Our local audience enjoyed the big screen graphics and we know that horsemen will appreciate access to the pace data to review their performances.”

Additionally, the deal has bolstered TPD’s portfolio with regards to broadcasting, with media outlets now able to access the firm’s live in-running graphics for the Saudi Cup, similar to its Racing League and Ascot coverage. 

The firm notably leveraged its in-running graphics on-course visualisation solution at the QIPCO British Champions Day for the first time last October, following successful trial runs during Sky Sports Racing’s broadcast of the William Hill Racing League.

Gordon added: “Looking at the data behind this year’s Saudi Cup, and it looks like a classic pace burnout, with shock winner Emblem Road coming from last to first and defending champion Mishriff tailing off after setting the fastest second quarter sectional. 

“We’ve already had enquiries from connections of horses in the race, who clearly want a bit more insight as to why things may have panned out as they did.”