The 2025 Saudi Cup, scheduled for February 22 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, is poised to showcase an impressive lineup of champion horses. This year’s event has attracted a robust entry list, featuring 28 Group and Grade 1 winners, vying for a share of the $38.1 million prize pool over two days. Notable contenders include last year’s Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River, Breeders’ Cup Classic victor Sierra Leone, and three-time Hong Kong Cup winner Romantic Warrior. Additionally, the race will see the return of the reigning Saudi Cup champion Señor Buscador and the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan. The international flavor is evident with entries from 21 countries, including Japan, Argentina, and the United Kingdom, making this edition one of the most competitive yet.
Star-Studded Lineup for the Main Event
The main event of the Saudi Cup weekend features a stellar cast of thoroughbreds, each with a distinguished racing pedigree. The 1 1/8-mile contest will bring together some of the world’s top equine athletes, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown. Among the notable entrants are Forever Young, the 2024 Japanese Derby winner Danon Decile, and five-time Argentine Group 1 winner El Kodigo. These horses have proven their mettle in prestigious races around the globe, and their presence adds significant weight to the competition. The anticipation is palpable as fans and experts alike speculate on potential outcomes.
This year’s field includes a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, creating a dynamic and unpredictable race. Last year’s Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River will face off against the Breeders’ Cup Classic victor Sierra Leone, while the reigning Saudi Cup champion Señor Buscador aims to defend his title. The inclusion of the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan further enhances the allure of the event. Each horse brings its own unique strengths and history, ensuring that the race will be a thrilling spectacle for all attendees. The stakes are high, and the competition promises to be fierce, with every contender aiming to etch their name into the annals of racing history.
International Talent Across Multiple Races
Beyond the main event, the Saudi Cup weekend offers a diverse array of races, each attracting elite talent from around the world. The Red Sea Turf Handicap (G2) sees entries like Warp Speed, runner-up in the Melbourne Cup, and U.K.-trained Al Nayyir, who finished fourth in the 2024 renewal of the race. Meanwhile, the Neom Turf Cup (G2) features Sir Alex Ferguson-owned Spirit Dancer, defending his crown alongside Japan Cup runner-up Shin Emperor and dual Group 1 winners Measured Time and Al Riffa. The breadth of international representation underscores the global appeal of the Saudi Cup.
The Turf Sprint, another highlight of the weekend, boasts a strong lineup led by last year’s winner Annaf and 2024 Prix Maurice de Gheest victor Lazzat. Japanese Group 1 winners Ten Happy Rose and Ascoli Piceno add to the excitement. In the Riyadh Dirt Sprint, Remake seeks consecutive wins, facing off against Golden Shaheen winner Tuz and Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Straight No Chaser. The Saudi Derby (G3) also showcases international prowess, with Myriad Love, Getaway Car, and Argentine Group 1 winner Giustino among the entrants. The International Jockeys Championship, featuring seven male and seven female jockeys from various countries, rounds out the program, highlighting the event’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence in equestrian sports.