Riyadh, February 24, 2025 – The prestigious Saudi Cup horse racing event was held on the evening of Saturday, February 24, under the esteemed patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The distinguished occasion, which unfolded at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The Crown Prince’s presence at this highly anticipated event underscored the Kingdom’s deep commitment to the growth and global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s equestrian and sporting traditions. Upon his arrival at the venue, His Royal Highness was warmly welcomed by several dignitaries, including Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, who joined other key figures such as Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Equestrian Authority and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA), Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, and Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Board Member of the JCSA and Chairman of the Technical Committees.
The evening began with the royal anthem, setting the tone for a night of spectacular racing and grandeur. As the race progressed, the participating horses made their way from the saddling area to the parade ring, where jockeys representing the top competitors gathered. This ceremonial display of elegance marked the beginning of the exciting Saudi Cup race, which has become a highlight in the international horse racing calendar.
The atmosphere at the racecourse was electric, with attendees eagerly awaiting the culmination of the event. As the ninth and final race of the Saudi Cup began, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman took his place at the presentation podium, where he warmly congratulated Susumu Fujita, the representative of the victorious horse, Forever Young. The momentous occasion saw Fujita lifting the prestigious Saudi Cup trophy, a symbol of excellence in global equestrian sports.
The Crown Prince also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the horse’s trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, and jockey Ryusei Sakai. Both Yahagi and Sakai were presented with commemorative prizes in recognition of their exceptional performance. Yahagi received a beautiful horse statuette, while Sakai was honored with a jockey’s helmet, a token of appreciation for their contribution to the triumph of Forever Young. To commemorate the historic win, the winners posed for a series of photographs, capturing the essence of the event's significance.
The Saudi Cup has garnered significant attention over the years, with this year's edition drawing an impressive roster of distinguished guests, including several princes, ministers, and high-ranking officials from both the Kingdom and abroad. The event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sporting arena, as well as the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to establish itself as a world-class hub for major international events.
With the Saudi Cup continuing to evolve as one of the most sought-after prizes in horse racing, it is evident that the Kingdom’s equestrian culture is set to thrive even further, fueled by the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Kingdom’s ongoing investment in high-profile sporting events. The Saudi Cup has firmly placed Riyadh on the map as a premier destination for world-class horse racing and continues to serve as a testament to the Kingdom’s ambition in the sporting world.
