Horse racing will return to Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Racecourse on October 16, marking the start of a 50-meeting season for both thoroughbreds and purebred Arabians. The season will close with the prestigious $20 million Saudi Cup on February 14, 2026, after the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia adjusted the calendar to align with Ramadan, which begins later that month.
Early Days of the Jockey Club
Horse racing in Saudi Arabia stretches back decades. Informal races date to the 1920s, when King Abdulaziz and his family held races in Malez (now downtown Riyadh). The formal foundation came in 1965 when the Equestrian Club was established by royal decree, later becoming what’s now known as the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA).
King Abdulaziz Racecourse: The Home of the Saudi Cup
The King Abdulaziz Racecourse opened in its current, modern iteration in 2003, replacing the older, smaller tracks and enabling Saudi Arabia to host larger and more international-level competitions. The racetrack features a 2000-meter dirt track, and in 2019, an 1800-meter turf track was added, bringing more versatility for both turf and dirt events.
Launch & Huge Stakes
The Saudi Cup was inaugurated in 2020 with a massive purse that instantly positioned it among the richest horse races globally. From the outset, it sought to combine elite racing with global recognition—inviting international horses, trainers, and jockeys to compete in Riyadh.
Upgrading Standards & Expanding Scope
By 2021, the Saudi Cup (main dirt race) had been promoted to Group 1 status, one of horse-racing’s highest classifications. Other supporting races added under the Saudi Cup weekend have also undergone upgrades; for example, the Al Mneefah Cup, Obaiyah Arabian Classic, Neom Turf Cup, Riyadh Dirt Sprint, and Red Sea Turf Handicap have gained greater international recognition.
Impact Beyond the Track
The Saudi Cup isn’t just about prize money anymore. It has become a cultural event — high fashion, international attendees, festival-style hospitality, and showcases of Saudi heritage are all part of the weekend. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s racing body has moved in IFHA rankings (from Part III toward Part II, aiming for Part I) thanks in large part to the Saudi Cup’s success.
Looking Forward
With the altered schedule to avoid overlap with Ramadan and anchoring the Cup next to the 41st Asian Racing Conference, the 2025-26 season signals even more intent to position Saudi Arabia at the center of global racing diplomacy. The qualifiers, support races, and cultural programming are expanding every year, promising more stakes—not just in prize money but in prestige and influence.
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