The King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field in Riyadh is hosting the eleventh week of racing events for the current season, culminating in the "Kings and Princes Cups Festival" horse races. This event is considered one of the most prominent milestones in the Saudi equestrian calendar, bringing together elite horses and jockeys to compete for titles bearing names dear to the hearts of Saudis.
A historical legacy and unlimited leadership support
In the context of this momentous event, His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jockey Club, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership. His Highness affirmed that the festival enjoys the direct support and attention of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect them both.
This festival gains its utmost importance not only from its sporting value, but also from its deep-rooted national significance, as it is associated with historical figures and symbols from among the sons of the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman - may God have mercy on him - who had a white hand in building the modern state, and great contributions in establishing and developing the sport of fathers and grandfathers.
Saudi equestrianism: Global leadership and the goals of Vision 2030
These championships come at a time when Saudi Arabia is witnessing a comprehensive sporting renaissance as part of its Vision 2030 goals, with Saudi horse racing transforming into a professional industry that rivals its global counterparts. King Abdulaziz Racecourse is now a global destination for equestrian sports, especially as it hosts some of the world's most prestigious races, making the Kings and Princes Cups Festival a key platform for identifying champions and preparing horses for major international competitions.
In his statement, Prince Bandar bin Khalid pointed out that the two evenings of the festival represent a high-level royal equestrian event, characterized by meticulous organization and high technical standards that strongly place the Kingdom on the map of international races, stressing the club’s commitment to presenting an honorable image befitting the Kingdom’s status.
Friday's race details: Fierce competition
The competition kicks off on Friday with a series of intense rounds, most notably:
- Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Cup: (Second category - local) over a distance of 1600 meters, with a prize of 700,000 riyals, amidst strong nominations for the horses “Lionel”, “Mahli”, and “Jaref”.
- Prince Badr bin Abdulaziz Cup: (Second category - local) for mares over a distance of 1800 meters, with a prize of half a million riyals, with the participation of “Nawafie” and “Bint Farah”.
- Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Cup: (Second category - local) for mares over a distance of 2000 meters, with a prize of 700,000 riyals, where the eyes are on the mares “Dance Desire” and “Amirat Al Zaman”.
- King Abdullah Cup: (First Class - Local) for two-year-old horses, which is the grand finale of Friday with a prize of 800,000 riyals, and in which “Dhiyaf” and “Al-Qastali” stand out.
The ultimate excitement in Saturday's races
The excitement continues on Saturday with elite races and major prizes:
- Imam Muhammad bin Saud Cup: for a distance of 1200 meters and a prize of 900,000 riyals, with the participation of “Jahdoun” and “Anhamar”.
- The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Sword: (Third Category) for Arabian horses, with a prize of 900,000 riyals, in which the candidate “Najib Al-Zaman” stands out.
- The Kings' Cups (Fahd, Khalid, Faisal, and Saud): The major races continue with prizes of 800,000 riyals each. Fillies compete in the King Fahd Cup, while the King Khalid Cup features a contest over 1800 meters. The festival concludes with the King Faisal and King Saud Cups (Listed), with strong contenders such as "Star of Wonder" and "Haqit."
