For thousands of years, the people of the Arabian Peninsula have held a deep-seated love for horses. The horse’s esteemed position in both society and religion has ensured its ongoing prestige and reverence. Even today, equestrian pursuits are regarded as embodying noble qualities in the Kingdom.
As the summer approaches, excitement is building for the much-anticipated summer racing season at Taif’s picturesque King Khalid Racecourse, under the auspices of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia. From Thursday, 4th July to Saturday, 28th September, racing enthusiasts can look forward to a spectacular 39-night series over 13 weekends, with thoroughbred and Pure Arabian night racing under the lights.
Guests can enjoy the thrill of live racing every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from around 3 pm to 9 pm, surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of Taif’s best street food vans, outstanding restaurants, live music, and free family entertainment. The gates will open at 2:45 pm, and the excitement will continue until 9 pm, with extended operating hours in the Trackside Terrace & Restaurant.
Starting next month, visitors will be able to register for FREE General Admission tickets for most nights. For those looking to enhance their experience, Premier Admission tickets will be available from 35 SAR, offering closer access to the action and exclusive entry to the stylishly appointed Nabd Al Nadi. Guests can also enjoy afternoon teas in Lounge 1965 or book dining in the Hatheeb Restaurant, which overlooks the Parade Ring. Register your interest now to receive email notifications when ticket registrations and hospitality packages become available.
HRH Prince Abdullah Bin Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the JCSA’s Technical Committee, said: “The new Taif programme has been developed following consultation with trainers and owners. We wanted to ensure that our summer racing programme was as competitive as possible and afforded the right kind of opportunities to the horse population in Saudi Arabia.
“We have created more handicaps as well as prep races for all major cups, offering a clear campaign path to horses and an opportunity to rise through the ranks and follow through to the Riyadh season.”
The Saudi Cup: a jewel in the crown of Saudi Arabia’s horse racing legacy
While Taif offers an enchanting summer racing experience, the pinnacle of Saudi Arabian horse racing is undoubtedly the Saudi Cup, held at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. This event, scheduled for 21-22 February 2025, is one of the richest and most prestigious horse racing events globally, with a staggering $20 million prize pool.
The Legacy of Horse Racing in Saudi Arabia
The love for horse racing in Saudi Arabia dates back centuries, with deep cultural and historical roots. The sport began in the 1920s when His Majesty King Abdulaziz raced horses with his sons in Malez, now in the heart of Downtown Riyadh. The first official race followed the establishment of the Equestrian Club in 1965, leading to the development of the racecourse in Taif, now known as King Khalid Racecourse.
Racing evolved from a pastime for the Royal family and their associates to a national sport with significant international participation. In 2002, Riyadh’s racing headquarters moved to Al Janadriya, establishing the state-of-the-art King Abdulaziz Racecourse, capable of accommodating up to 25,000 spectators. The racecourse features a 2,000m left-handed dirt track and an 1,800m turf track added in 2019.
The inaugural Saudi Cup in 2020 marked a new era for Saudi Arabian horse racing, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and enhance its global sporting profile. The event quickly gained prestige, attracting top-tier international talent. The 2022 race was particularly memorable when local favourite Emblem Road triumphed, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sport.
The Saudi Cup serves as a week-long festival of speed, entertainment, and culture, significantly boosting local tourism. It provides a platform for international cultural exchange, bringing together horse racing enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media from around the world. This global convergence fosters a rich environment for networking, business opportunities, and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international engagement.
The 2025 Saudi Cup: What to Expect
The 2025 Saudi Cup is set to be another landmark event, featuring a series of races over two days. Highlights include:
- The Saudi Cup (Group 1): The main event, with a $20 million prize, open to Northern Hemisphere-bred four-year-olds and upward, and Southern Hemisphere-bred three-year-olds and upward.
- The Saudi Derby (Group 3): A $1.5 million race over 1,600 meters, showcasing the best three-year-olds.
- The Riyadh Dirt Sprint (Group 3): A $1.5 million, 1,200-meter sprint that promises thrilling high-speed action.
- The Neom Turf Cup (Group 3): With a purse of $1.5 million, this 2,100-meter race on turf attracts elite international contenders.
In addition to these high-stakes races, the Saudi Cup weekend includes a series of supporting events and entertainment, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees.
More than just racing
An evening at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse during the Saudi Cup offers a comprehensive entertainment experience. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options, enjoy live music, and partake in free entertainment for the entire family. The 2023 Saudi Cup weekend featured folk performances from different regions of the Kingdom and entertainers for children, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Horse racing in Saudi Arabia boasts a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the Kingdom’s cultural and social fabric. The Arabian Peninsula has revered the horse for thousands of years, valuing it for its speed, endurance, and beauty. Equestrian pursuits are regarded as facilitators of noble qualities, and the horse’s esteemed position in society and religion has cemented its status and prestige in the region.
The formal inception of horse racing in Saudi Arabia can be traced back to the 1920s when His Majesty King Abdulaziz initiated horse races with his sons in Malez, an area that has since become central to Downtown Riyadh. From their vantage point atop a large hill, they would watch the races unfold, a tradition that laid the groundwork for the establishment of the country’s first racecourse in the same area.
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Photo – top of page – Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia
