Riyadh, February 23, 2025 – Under the distinguished patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will attend the highly anticipated sixth edition of the Saudi Cup, one of the world’s most prestigious and lucrative horse racing events. The grand race is set to take place on the evening of Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, bringing together an elite gathering of top-tier horses, jockeys, and owners from across the globe.
The Saudi Cup has firmly established itself as a marquee event in the international equestrian calendar, drawing participants and spectators alike with its world-class competition and unmatched prestige. With a staggering total prize pool of $38.1 million, it ranks among the richest horse races in the world, further elevating Saudi Arabia's stature on the global sports stage.
On this momentous occasion, Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal, Chairman of the Equestrian Authority and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA), expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support provided by the Kingdom’s leadership, emphasizing the significant role played by both the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince in the event’s continued success.
In a heartfelt statement, Prince Bandar remarked, “It is with immense pride and appreciation that I extend my deepest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, whose patronage of this remarkable event has been invaluable. His continued guidance and vision have been instrumental in making the Saudi Cup a global beacon of excellence in the world of horse racing. I also express my heartfelt thanks to HRH the Crown Prince, who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to ensuring the event’s growth and success.”
Prince Bandar further highlighted the significant contributions of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting his pivotal role in bringing the Saudi Cup to international prominence. "The Saudi Cup’s success is directly attributed to HRH the Crown Prince’s dedication to implementing the highest technical standards in the sport. His tireless efforts and strategic foresight have positioned the race among the top-tier global equestrian events, attracting the attention of racing federations, owners, and fans worldwide," he stated.
The event not only showcases the skills of elite jockeys and horses, but also serves as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the international sporting arena. Prince Bandar went on to underscore the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to advancing the sport of equestrianism, saying, “On behalf of the JCSA and the entire equestrian community, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the wise leadership of the Kingdom. Their visionary support is crucial in propelling the Saudi Cup and other equestrian initiatives to the forefront of international competition.”
With each edition, the Saudi Cup has come to represent more than just a race; it symbolizes the Kingdom's growing role as a global hub for world-class sporting events and a leader in the field of equestrian excellence. As the 2025 edition takes center stage, anticipation is building for another thrilling chapter in the saga of the Saudi Cup, with racing enthusiasts and industry experts from around the world eagerly awaiting the competition.
As the event draws near, it is evident that the Saudi Cup will once again reinforce its position as an iconic fixture in the world of horse racing, thanks to the steadfast dedication and support of Saudi Arabia’s leadership. The race promises to continue capturing the imagination of fans, elevating the Kingdom’s prominence on the international sporting stage, and further solidifying the Saudi Cup as a defining moment in the global equestrian calendar.