This International Women’s Day, in an exciting and ground-breaking move, Phoenix Thoroughbreds have announced that they are to expand their Phoenix Ladies Syndicate (“PLS”), an all-female ownership group, into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (“KSA”).
PLS have enjoyed massive success in Dubai, since their inception in November, and have already been inundated with enquiries from prospective participants in the US, Australia and the UK for their eagerly anticipated follow up syndicate, ‘PLS 2’. Now, thanks to a pioneering plan from Phoenix Thoroughbreds CEO, Amer Abdulaziz, who was in the Kingdom to attend this year’s running of ‘The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup’, PLS hope to extend their expertise and experience into a brand new country, opening up exciting new opportunities for female racing fans. Thought to be the first group of its kind in Saudi Arabia, PLS aims to be up and running by the start of KSA’s next season.
During his visit, Abdulaziz met leading officials, including Prince Faisal bin Khalid Al Saud, to explore the possibilities of setting up and running such a Syndicate within their country’s borders.
“I am very grateful to the Prince, the Equestrian Club and (leading owner) Khalid Mishref for their invitation and hospitality to attend such a wonderful event.” Said Abdulaziz. “It was an honour to witness such a great race up close and have a look around the fantastic facilities at Riyadh Racecourse. Saudi Arabia is a country with huge ambitions for the sport, and we want to be part of that, in addition to opening new opportunities for ownership. I had some very productive discussions, and without the support and encouragement we received we wouldn’t be able to proceed down this path. I want to thank everyone involved in those meetings, and I look forward to having regular runners there with Phoenix Ladies.”
PLS Principle Pamela Cordina has overseen the growing success of the brand and is equally pleased to be expanding into this exciting new territory.
“This is a fascinating venture we are about to embark upon,” said Cordina “and you can see from the attendances at Riyadh racing has become a prevalent spectator sport among the Ladies of Saudi Arabia. Many of these women may not have had the opportunity or even thought about how to get into ownership and true to the Phoenix Ladies mission statement we are delighted to be offering them that chance. Hopefully, we can continue the success we have enjoyed in Dubai!”
Although not in operation until next season the syndicate hierarchy are already hard at work setting up the infrastructure of this new branch of PLS and will soon be attending the sales, armed with the same plan that has been so successful in the UAE, and on the lookout for the perfect horses to race in their colours.
If you would like to register your interest in being part of Phoenix Ladies, please mark an email for the attention of Pamela Cordina and send to info@phoenixfund.net.