Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect him - the King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field in Janadriyah witnessed a prominent sporting event yesterday evening, as His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, crowned the winners in the forty-third ceremony of the Riyadh Racing Season, which was dedicated to competing for the Crown Prince’s Cups.
Race details and results
The evening witnessed fierce competition among the Kingdom's elite horses, with the two main races held over a distance of 2400 meters, offering prize money totaling two million riyals. The White Stable, owned by the sons of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, dominated the event, achieving a historic double victory.
In the eighth race, designated for locally bred horses (Grade 1), the horse “Wa Na’meen” deservedly claimed first place, winning the coveted trophy. In the ninth race (open to all classes – internationally listed), the White Stable continued its winning streak with the horse “Sayyah,” securing the title. Following the races, the Governor of Riyadh presented the two trophies to His Royal Highness Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, amidst great celebration of this achievement.
The importance of the cup in the Saudi equestrian landscape
The Crown Prince’s Cups acquire exceptional importance that goes beyond being just a horse race; they are one of the oldest championships in the Saudi racing calendar (first category), and represent a pivotal station and a true indicator of the horses’ readiness to participate in upcoming global events, most notably the “Saudi Cup,” the most expensive in the world.
This event reflects the unlimited support that the wise leadership gives to the equestrian sector, which has witnessed qualitative leaps in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as the Kingdom has become a global destination for speed races, attracting the best horses, trainers and riders from all over the world.
High-level official attendance
The ceremony was attended by a select group of personalities and officials. Upon his arrival, His Royal Highness the Prince of Riyadh was received by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Equestrian Authority and the Horse Racing Club, which confirms the high status that this authentic sport occupies in the cultural and social heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
