Riyadh, January 24, 2025 — Under the esteemed patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and deputizing for His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Governor of Riyadh Region, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, will preside over the prestigious annual Grand Horse Racing Festival. The event, which takes place on the evening of Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Janadriya, promises to be a significant celebration of the Kingdom’s equestrian heritage.
This highly anticipated event will feature the King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud (Founder) Cup, alongside the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ two cups—one for local production (first grade) and another for open-grade horses, classified internationally within the third category of races. The festival is not only a thrilling display of world-class horsemanship but also a testament to the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving and advancing its rich equestrian culture.
On the occasion of this esteemed event, Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Equestrian Authority and the Jockey Club, expressed his profound gratitude to the Kingdom’s wise leadership for their steadfast support of equestrian activities. He acknowledged that such continuous patronage has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and success of horse racing in Saudi Arabia, elevating the Kingdom's profile on the global stage as a leader in the sport.
Prince Bandar further underscored the instrumental role of this support in strengthening the Kingdom’s standing with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). He credited the leadership’s unwavering commitment with not only securing the international federation’s approval for Saudi Arabia’s local and international cups but also contributing to the enhancement of both national and international equestrian competitions.
This strategic vision, coupled with robust investments in infrastructure and event management, has helped position Saudi Arabia as a hub for world-class equestrian competitions, attracting leading participants, investors, and audiences from around the globe. Through this continued support and strategic initiatives, the Kingdom is making substantial strides in its aspiration to solidify its position as a major player in the international horse racing arena.
As the Kingdom continues to honor its equestrian legacy and foster the development of horse racing, the Grand Horse Racing Festival serves as a powerful symbol of both the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving its cultural traditions and its growing influence in the global sporting community.
