Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 19, 2025 – The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) marked a significant milestone in its racing season with the 14th week of thrilling competitions, which took place from January 16 to 18 at the prestigious King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. The week’s races included events 79, 80, and 81, showcasing a variety of exhilarating races featuring both Thoroughbred and Arabian horses, as well as competitions spanning various grades, classifications, and age groups.
The JCSA’s continued commitment to excellence was evident throughout the week, with each race offering unique challenges for the horses and jockeys involved. On January 17, one of the highlights of the racing schedule was the tenth race, which was dedicated to the UK Cup. This event saw competitors racing over a demanding 1,800-meter track, with a generous prize of SAR 150,000 at stake. The UK Cup attracted some of the finest Thoroughbreds, providing an exciting spectacle for racing enthusiasts.
The twelfth race on the same day featured the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University Cup, a prestigious event that celebrated local production. This race, covering a distance of 2,000 meters, also offered a substantial prize of SAR 150,000. It was a highly anticipated event, drawing attention to Saudi Arabia’s thriving equestrian culture and the rising talent in local horse breeding and training.
Saturday’s races continued the momentum, with the ninth race dedicated to the Aseer Region Emirate Cup. This competition focused on three-year-old horses, offering a SAR 150,000 prize and highlighting the potential of younger competitors in the world of horse racing. The race served as an excellent showcase for up-and-coming equine talent in the region.
The twelfth race on Saturday concluded the week’s action with the King Khalid University Cup. This event, covering a distance of 1,400 meters, was another exciting race for the crowd, as horses competed for the same prize pool of SAR 150,000. The King Khalid University Cup exemplified the JCSA’s ongoing efforts to host a diverse range of races, engaging both local and international audiences.
Throughout these events, the King Abdulaziz Racecourse provided an impeccable setting, with its world-class facilities offering the ideal stage for Saudi Arabia’s premier equestrian contests. The races attracted not only local fans but also international visitors, further cementing Riyadh as a hub for horse racing excellence. The JCSA’s dedication to the sport’s growth and the development of equestrian talent in the Kingdom was evident in every race, as well as in the robust support from the Saudi government and its affiliated entities.
As the racing season progresses, the JCSA continues to build on its reputation as a key player in the global horse racing arena, with future events expected to draw even more attention to Saudi Arabia’s increasing role in the international equestrian community. The continued success of these races speaks volumes about the Kingdom’s commitment to sports and its vision for the future of horse racing.