A stellar lineup of champion racehorses has been nominated for the $20 million Saudi Cup, scheduled for February 22. Among the notable contenders are Sierra Leone, winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic; Laurel River, victor of the Dubai World Cup; and Romantic Warrior, a three-time Hong Kong Cup champion. The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia revealed the nominations on Friday, along with entries for other stakes races over the weekend of February 21-22 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. The event promises to be a showcase of international talent, featuring 1,123 early entries, including 81 Grade 1 winners from 21 countries, competing for a total prize pool of $38.1 million.

The Saudi Cup has attracted an impressive array of top-tier horses. Noteworthy nominees include Mystik Dan, who triumphed at the Kentucky Derby, and Senor Buscador, the defending Saudi Cup champion. Additionally, Japan's Forever Young, who placed third in a closely contested Derby finish, is also among the nominees. Other distinguished entrants include Danon Decile, the 2024 Japanese Derby winner, Soul of an Angel, victorious in the BC Filly & Mare Sprint, and White Abarrio, the 2023 BC Classic winner. With a maximum field of 14 horses, competition will be fierce.

Beyond the main event, the Saudi Derby (G3) has also garnered attention. Last year's winner, Forever Young, faces new challengers such as Myriad Love from Japan, who remains undefeated, Jerome winner Cyclone State, Gaming and Getaway Car trained by Bob Baffert, Ireland's Al Qudra, and Argentina's Giustino, a Grade 1 winner. The diversity and quality of these nominations underscore the global appeal of the Saudi Cup and its associated races.

Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, chairman of the Saudi Arabia Jockey Club, expressed enthusiasm about the event: "Horse racing thrives through international competition, and we believe the Saudi Cup perfectly showcases the finest in global racing. In just a few years, it has become a pinnacle of our racing season." The Saudi Cup continues to grow in prominence, attracting elite horses and riders from around the world, solidifying its place as a premier event in the sport.