Under royal patronage: Announcing the 2026 Saudi Cup
Under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, the equestrian world is preparing for the seventh edition of the Saudi Cup 2026 , the most prestigious and lucrative event on the global horse racing calendar. This grand sporting event is scheduled to take place on February 13th and 14th at the King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field in Riyadh, bringing together the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world to compete for the highest prize money ever offered in the history of this prestigious sport.
A rich history and a renewed legacy for Saudi equestrian sport
The launch of the Saudi Cup in 2020 was more than just the addition of a new international race; it heralded a new era for equestrian sports in the Kingdom, a nation with a rich history and deep cultural roots in the Arabian horse. This global event was established with the guidance and direct support of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with the aim of positioning the Kingdom on the world map as a major center for horse racing, in line with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 to develop the sports and entertainment sectors.
Within a few years, the Saudi Cup successfully established itself as a premier destination for international racing champions, launching with a $20 million prize for the main race, making it the world's richest race from its inception. Today, the total prize money for the two-day event exceeds $35 million, reflecting the significant investment and attention the leadership dedicates to this vital sector.
Global impact and economic and cultural dimensions
The impact of the Saudi Cup extends far beyond the racecourse. Internationally, the event has become a key stop on the global tour, attracting top owners and trainers from the United States, Japan, Europe, and the Gulf region who aspire to participate and claim its prestigious title. Domestically, the race has contributed to a qualitative leap in the Saudi equestrian industry by raising training standards, encouraging local horse breeding, and providing a platform for talented Saudi jockeys and trainers to gain international experience.
In this context, His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Equestrian Authority and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jockey Club, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for their unwavering support, which has been a primary reason for the tournament's continued success. His Highness emphasized that the Saudi Cup is no longer merely a sporting event, but has become a comprehensive cultural and economic platform that celebrates authentic Saudi heritage through accompanying events encompassing traditional costumes, arts, music, and cuisine, presenting the world with a vibrant image of the Kingdom's culture and its rich diversity.
A future vision towards global leadership
Prince Bandar bin Khalid explained that the success achieved by the Cup and its ranking among the top international categories is a result of the unlimited support from the wise leadership, which contributed to realizing strategic plans for a strong global presence. He added, “This year, we are proud of the Cup’s development and numerous upgrades across a range of accompanying races, and its international ranking across the three major categories.”.
Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, the whole world is anticipating what the Kingdom will offer in terms of exceptional organization and exciting competitions, thus confirming its leadership and ability to host the largest global events efficiently and competently, and continuing its journey towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030 to be a global sports, tourism and cultural destination.
