World’s Top Horses Set for $20 Million Saudi Cup Showdown
10 January 2025 – A thrilling clash of global racing stars is on the horizon as 28 Group 1 winners are entered for the 2025 $20 million Saudi Cup, scheduled for Saturday, 22 February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.

Last year’s Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (USA) could face off against Breeders’ Cup Classic champion Sierra Leone (USA) and the three-time Hong Kong Cup winner Romantic Warrior (IRE). The lineup also includes 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (USA) and the reigning Saudi Cup champion Señor Buscador (USA), setting the stage for an unmissable showdown.

Adding to the star-studded field for the 1800m race are Forever Young (JPN), last year’s Saudi Derby winner, 2024 Japanese Derby victor Danon Decile (JPN), Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint champion Soul Of An Angel (USA), and Argentine sensation El Kodigo (ARG), a five-time Group 1 winner.

The Saudi Cup meeting boasts a total of 1,123 entries, including 81 individual Group 1 winners from 21 countries, competing for $38.1 million in prize money across the weekend of 21–22 February.

International Stars Targeting Supporting Races

The upgraded Group 2 Red Sea Turf Handicap has drawn interest from several high-profile contenders, including Japanese-trained Melbourne Cup runner-up Warp Speed (JPN), UK-based Al Nayyir (GB), and 2023 St Leger winner Continuous (JPN).

The Group 2 Neom Turf Cup may see a title defense from Spirit Dancer (GB), owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, alongside Japan Cup runner-up Shin Emperor (FR) and Danon Beluga (JPN). Dual Group 1 winners Measured Time (GB) and Al Riffa (FR) are potential UAE and Irish representatives, respectively.

The Group 2 1351 Turf Sprint is shaping up to be another blockbuster, with defending champion Annaf (IRE), Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Lazzat (FR), and Japanese Group 1 stars Ten Happy Rose (JPN) and Ascoli Piceno (JPN) among the top entries.

The Riyadh Dirt Sprint, now upgraded to Group 2 status, features last year’s winner Remake (JPN) alongside Golden Shaheen champion Tuz (USA) and Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser (USA).

Emerging Talents in Focus

Japanese juvenile sensation Myriad Love (JPN) leads entries for the Group 3 Saudi Derby, joined by U.S.-based Getaway Car (USA), Ireland’s Al Qudra (IRE), and Argentine Group 1 victor Giustino (ARG).

Purebred Arabian action also promises excitement. The Group 1 Obaiyah Arabian Classic has drawn entries from 2022 winner Hadi De Carrere (FR) and the unbeaten HM Alchahine (FR). The preceding day’s Group 1 Al Mneefah Cup for Purebred Arabians features seven-time Group 1 winners Abbes (FR) and Nour Al Maury (FR), as well as dual threat Asfan Al Khalediah (KSA), who triumphed in both races in previous years.

A Celebration of International Racing

Highlighting Friday’s program is the International Jockeys Championship, where seven male and seven female jockeys from around the world will compete, showcasing elite talent and diversity.

HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, remarked:
“On behalf of everyone at the JCSA, I want to thank owners and trainers worldwide for their nominations. It’s an honor to host the sport’s best from over 20 countries, including many top-tier performers.

“The Saudi Cup is now firmly established as a global racing pinnacle, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted equestrian culture and passion for the Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian breeds. We eagerly await welcoming the global racing community to Riyadh for another unforgettable event.”

With an unmatched purse and a lineup of international superstars, the 2025 Saudi Cup promises to captivate racing fans worldwide, solidifying its status as the crown jewel of global horse racing.