On January 26, 2025, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, a grand and highly anticipated annual equestrian event took place at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Al-Janadriyah, Riyadh. The event, a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage, featured prestigious races including the King Abdulaziz (Founder) Cup, as well as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ two cups for local production—Grade 1 races—and international third-category races.
The occasion was attended by the Governor of Riyadh Region, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, who represented Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in overseeing the event's proceedings. The races are considered among the highest honors in Saudi Arabian horse racing, with competitors coming from all corners of the country to showcase the exceptional speed, stamina, and skill of their thoroughbreds and Arabian horses.
The excitement of the evening was highlighted by a series of thrilling victories across multiple races. The eighth race of the evening was dominated by the horse Kathir, owned by Hamad Mohammed Hamad Al-Merri, who claimed first place in a highly competitive field. The win added yet another prestigious victory to the horse’s illustrious record.
The ninth race, part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for local production (Grade 1, local), was contested over a distance of 1,800 meters. The race’s prize was claimed by Yaroa, a champion horse owned by the stables of the sons of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. In a moment of deep symbolism, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh, personally presented the cup to Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, honoring the family’s legacy in Saudi Arabia’s equestrian circles.
The tenth race was equally dramatic, with Rattle ‘N’ Roll, owned by Sharaf Mohammed Al-Hariri and Lucky Seven Stables, galloping to victory in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup Grade 3, an internationally recognized qualifier for the prestigious Saudi Cup. Racing over 1,800 meters, Rattle ‘N’ Roll showcased remarkable agility and power, securing its place in the upcoming Saudi Cup competition, much to the delight of its owners and fans alike.
The eleventh race, part of the King Abdulaziz Cup for locally bred Arabian horses, was a stunning display of excellence as Saif Barzan, owned by Mutaib Saleh Mohammed, captured first place in a race over 1,600 meters. The Governor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, was once again called to present the coveted prize to the proud owner, adding to the celebration of success for the locally bred horses that continue to elevate Saudi Arabian equestrian sport.
Finally, the twelfth race, part of the King Abdulaziz (Founder) Cup (Grade 1, local), was fiercely contested, and Taj Biladi emerged victorious, winning the race over 1,600 meters. The proud owner, Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz, was presented with the race’s cup by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz in recognition of the horse's outstanding performance and the family’s ongoing contributions to Saudi Arabia’s equestrian legacy.
These prestigious cups are among the most sought-after awards in the Saudi Arabian racing season, with the King Abdulaziz Cup recognizing the finest locally bred horses across both purebred Arabian and thoroughbred categories. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ two cups for local production play a crucial role in promoting and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s horse breeding industry, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to preserving its rich equestrian culture. Additionally, the international third-category races are vital qualifiers for the renowned Saudi Cup, the jewel of Saudi Arabian horse racing, ensuring that only the best horses from around the world compete for glory.
The significance of this annual event goes far beyond the victories of the horses and their owners. It embodies the Kingdom’s deep commitment to the growth and development of the horse racing industry, which has long been a central element of Saudi culture. These races not only celebrate athleticism and the spirit of competition but also highlight the importance of horse breeding and preservation in Saudi Arabia’s broader agricultural and cultural initiatives.
Held alongside the qualifiers for both the Saudi Cup and the Prince Khalid bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Cup, these races serve as a testament to the Kingdom's vision for the future of equestrian sports—blending tradition with modernity, while honoring the history and heritage of the Saudi Arabian people. The races at King Abdulaziz Racecourse are more than just competitions; they are a vivid representation of Saudi Arabia's deep respect for its past, its ongoing investment in the future, and its global ambition to become a central player in the world of elite equestrian sport.
