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Saudi Cup
Saudi Cup
Saudi Cup
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Saudi Cup
ClassGroup 1
LocationRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
Inaugurated2020[1]
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
Race information
Distance1,800 meters
SurfaceDirt and Turf
TrackKing Abdulaziz Racetrack
Weightthesaudicup.com.sa/en
Purse$20,000,000
1st:$10,000,000
Saudi Cup
2025
Maroon, two white armlets Turquoise, white inverted triangle, striped sleeves and cap Emerald green, yellow sash and armlets
Forever Young Romantic Warrior Ushba Tesoro
Previous years
2024
Royal blue, white inverted chevron, white sleeves, two blue armlets Emerald green, yellow sash and armlets White, black braid and cuffs
Senor Buscador Ushba Tesoro Saudi Crown
2023
Royal blue, green armlets, red and white halved cap Blue, red sash, white sleeves, white cap Yellow, black sash and sleeves
Panthalassa Country Grammer Cafe Pharoah
2022
White, royal blue braces and cap Blue, red sash, white sleeves, red cap Maroon, white circle, white hoops on sleeves, white cap
Emblem Road Country Grammer Midnight Bourbon
2021
Maroon, Grey epaulets Blue, yellow star, diamonds on sleeves, yellow cap Red, white epaulets, white cap
Mishriff Charlatan Great Scot
2020
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Red, white sleeves, red spots and cuffs, red cap Royal blue
Maximum Security Midnight Bisou Benbatl
 

The Saudi Cup (Arabic: كأس السعودية) is an international horse race held annually at the end of February at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is the richest horse race ever held, with a $20 million purse.[2] It is the main highlight race of the Saudi Cup Night, is a series of eight thoroughbred horse races and one Purebred Arabian race.

Race details

[edit]

The race is notable for its 20 million dollar purse,[3] which makes it the most lucrative event in horse racing.[4]

The race is held four weeks after the $3 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, Florida, and four weeks before the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, making it possible for horses in those races to compete.[3]

In 2021, the Pegasus World Cup in the United States and the Champions Cup in Japan were "Win and You're In" qualifiers for the Saudi Cup.[5]

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee assigned Group 1 status to the Saudi Cup before its third running, scheduled for February 2022.[6]

The festival is accompanied by cultural events in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Saudi heritage fashion expert Dr. Laila Albassam, and illustrator Norah Sahman – who co-developed the Saudi Cup Dress Code. Attendees dress in styles inspired by the heritage costumes worn across the Kingdom. The event also offers traditional foods, live musical concerts, art shows, and performances from various parts of Saudi Arabia.[7]

History

[edit]

2020

[edit]

The first edition of the race was held on February 29, 2020. It was won by an American horse, Maximum Security, ridden by Luis Saez. The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia announced two months later that it would withhold Maximum Security's purse money pending an investigation, following the indictment of trainer Jason Servis in the United States.[8] Nearly four years after the inaugural race, in January 2024 the Jockey Club formally recommended Maximum Security's disqualification. The Jockey Club claimed that Servis, who was convicted in December 2022 by pleading guilty to two charges related to drug misbranding and adulteration, committed "substantial breaches of the rules." The matter was referred to the Stewards' Committee, which will conduct a hearing into the matter at a later date.[9]

2021

[edit]

The second edition of the Saudi Cup was held on Saturday, 20 February 2021, at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman (on behalf of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz) crowned horse owner Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Faisal after his horse Mishriff won the race. He also congratulated its trainer, John Gosden, and jockey, David Egan, who received a figurine of a horse and a jockey’s helmet, respectively.

The race, which is the richest horse race in the world with a total prize money worth $30.5 million, attracts top horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe. A total of 77 horses took part from 13 countries with the winner taking home a grand prize of $20 million.

The participating field included Maximum Security, Benbatl, Midnight Bisou, Mucho Gusto, and Tacitus under the supervision of world-renowned trainers like American Bob Baffert, Briton John Gosden, American Steven Asmussen, and his compatriot Brad Cox, as well as local trainers Abdullah bin Mishriff and Shaleh Alodhiaani.[10]

2022

[edit]

In the third edition of the Saudi Cup, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz crowned Prince Saud bin Salman, owner of Emblem Road, with the race title at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh.

This edition saw a new Guinness World Record being set, with the most expensive single-horse race being held with prize money exceeding 75 million Saudi riyals.[11]

The remaining races on the final day were won by the horse Authority, owned by Silk Racing Co. Ltd. in the first race; the second race by the horse Songline, owned by Sunday Racing Ltd.; the third race by the horse Stay Foolish, owned by Shadai Race Horse Co. Ltd.; the fourth race by the horse Ann Alawaan owned by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s sons; the fifth race by the horse Hadi De Carrere owned by Khalifa Al Kuwari; the sixth race by the horse Pinehurst owned by Madaket Stables and Starlight Racing; and the seventh race by the horse Dancing Prince owned by Chizu Yoshida.

2023

[edit]

In the fourth edition of the Saudi Cup, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman crowned Hiroo Race Co., the Japanese owner of the horse Panthalassa, the race winner and Saudi Cup champion, receiving $10 million.

The following horses occupied positions two to six in the $20 million race: Country Grammar, Cafe Pharoah, Geoglyph, Crown Pride, and Emblem Road.

The total prize money for the fourth edition that was held under the slogan We Race the World totaled $35 million.[12]

2024

[edit]

In the fifth edition of the Saudi Cup, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman crowned Sharaf Al Hariri, owner of the horse Senor Buscador, for winning the race that was held on 24 February 2024 at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh while also receiving a cash prize of $20 million.

The second race was won by the horse Asfan Al Khalediah, owned by Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz’s sons; the third race was won by the horse King Shalaa, owned by Wathnan Racing; the fourth race was won by the Japanese horse Forever Young owned by Susumu Fujita; the fifth race was won by the Japanese horse Remake owned by Koji Maeda; and the sixth race was won by the horse Annaf owned by Fosnic Racing.

The Peter Done, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Ged Mason-owned horse Spirit Dancer won the seventh race, while the eighth race was won by the horse Tower of London owned by D. Smith, Mrs. J. Magnier, M. Tabor, and Westerberg.[13]

This edition was the most valuable horseracing event in the world with a total prize worth $37.6 million.[14]

Records

[edit]

Speed record:

Most wins by a trainer:

Winners

[edit]
Year Winner Foaled Trained Owned Age Jockey Trainer Owner Time
2025 Forever Young  Japan  Japan  Japan 4 Ryusei Sakai Yoshito Yahagi Susumu Fujita 1:49.099[15][16]
2024 Senor Buscador  United States  United States  United States 6 Junior Alvarado Todd W. Fincher Joe R. Peacock Jr. & Sharaf Al Hariri (two race-lease) 1:49.50[17]
2023 Panthalassa  Japan  Japan  Japan 6 Yutaka Yoshida [ja] Yoshito Yahagi Hiroo Race Co., Ltd. 1:50.80
2022 Emblem Road  United States  Saudi Arabia  Saudi Arabia 4 Wigberto S. Ramos Mitab Almulawah Prince Saud Bin Salman Abdulaziz 1:50.53
2021 Mishriff  Ireland  United Kingdom  Saudi Arabia 4 David Egan John Gosden Prince Abdul Rahman al Faisal 1:49.59[10]
2020 Midnight Bisou*  United States  United States  United States 5 Mike E. Smith Steven M. Asmussen Bloom Racing Stable, Madaket Stables, Allen Racing 1:50.59

*In 2020 Maximum Security crossed the line first, but was disqualified following an investigation into trainer Jason Servis by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia that concluded in August 2024.[18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Saudi Cup

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Saudi Cup is an annual international horse racing event held over a weekend at the end of February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, headlined by the world's richest Thoroughbred race of the same name, which offers a $20 million purse for a Group 1 contest over 1,800 meters on dirt for horses aged four and older. Inaugurated in 2020 by the Jockey Club of , the event has quickly established itself as a pinnacle of global racing, attracting over 70 elite Thoroughbreds and top jockeys from countries including the , , , and , while also featuring specialized races for Purebred Arabians and an International Jockeys' Challenge. The Saudi Cup Weekend comprises multiple high-stakes races across Friday and Saturday, with a total prize purse of $38.1 million as of the 2025 edition, including the $500,000 Al Tuwaiq Cup, $2 million Obayia Arabian Classic, and $1 million Al Mneefah Cup, blending competitive racing with cultural entertainment such as heritage exhibitions on Saudi equestrian traditions. The event's significance extends beyond the track, elevating the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia's status in the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) from Part III to Part II in the global World's Best Race Rankings, with ambitions to reach Part I, and positioning as a premier destination for international racing enthusiasts through its combination of world-class competition, luxury hospitality, and family-friendly festivities.

Race Characteristics

Format and Purse

The Saudi Cup is contested over a distance of 1,800 meters (approximately 9 furlongs) on a surface. The race is held annually in late , serving as the feature event on the second day (Saturday) of Saudi Cup Weekend at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in . It is run on a left-handed track under weight-for-age conditions, open to horses aged four years and older, with colts and geldings carrying 126 pounds (57 kg) and fillies and mares assigned 124 pounds (56 kg). The race offers a total purse of $20 million, establishing it as the world's richest horse race, a figure that has remained consistent since its inception in 2020. The purse is distributed with $10 million awarded to the winner, $3.5 million to the second-place finisher, $2 million to third, $1.5 million to fourth, $1 million to fifth, and decreasing amounts to horses finishing as low as tenth place. This structure incentivizes high-level international competition by providing substantial financial rewards across the top placings, drawing elite Thoroughbreds from around the globe. While the individual race purse has held steady at $20 million, the overall for Saudi Cup Weekend has grown significantly, exceeding $38 million in recent editions to support a broader card of races. For the 2025 edition, the total for Saudi Cup Weekend reached US$38.1 million.

Grading and Eligibility

The Saudi Cup holds Group 1 status, a designation awarded by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in October 2021, effective from the 2022 edition onward. This classification places it among the highest echelons of international , recognizing its competitive quality and global appeal. Additionally, the race serves as a "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Classic through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series, providing the winner with an automatic entry and paid fees to the American event, provided the horse is nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline, as of the 2025 edition. Eligibility for the Saudi Cup is open to horses aged four years and older, encompassing both colts, geldings, fillies, and mares from domestic and international stables. The race operates on weight-for-age conditions, meaning no additional weight penalties are applied for prior victories or other achievements, ensuring a level playing field based solely on the horse's age. To qualify for entry, locally trained horses must possess a domestic rating of at least 100 (or 96 for fillies and mares), while international entrants must have achieved a similar rating or finished fourth or better in a , Group 2, Group 3, or Listed race within an IFHA-recognized Part I jurisdiction. Nominations typically close in , after which eligible horses receive invitations from the Jockey Club of , with subsequent entry confirmations required by early February. Jockey participation requires a valid professional license from a recognized national or international racing authority, allowing riders from around the world to compete. While the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia promotes opportunities for local riders through training programs and incentives, the event's international prestige has historically seen dominance by top global jockeys, such as those from , the , and . The Saudi Cup's elevated status contributes to its inclusion in the World's Top 100 Races rankings, as compiled annually by the IFHA, underscoring its role in the global racing calendar. Victories in the race carry significant implications for breeding and sales value, often elevating a horse's international profile and auction prices due to the event's high purse and competitive field.

Venue and Organization

King Abdulaziz Racetrack

The King Abdulaziz Racetrack is located in , , serving as the premier venue for in the kingdom. Opened in 2003, it replaced earlier facilities and was designed to elevate 's position in international equestrian sports. The track underwent significant upgrades around 2019, including the installation of a new turf course to accommodate diverse racing formats and enhance its appeal for global events. These developments positioned it as a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting high-stakes competitions like the Saudi Cup. The racetrack features a 2,000-meter dirt oval configuration, with races run counter-clockwise on a surface known for its consistent and horse-friendly properties. The homestretch measures 500 meters, providing ample space for dramatic finishes in longer races. Supporting infrastructure includes advanced timing systems for precise race measurements and an on-site equine hospital, opened in 2019 and equipped with advanced facilities including operating theaters and recovery boxes, staffed by a team of international veterinarians for immediate care. The grandstand offers seating for approximately 5,000 spectators, complemented by viewing lawns, lounges, and restaurants that create an upscale atmosphere. Unique to the venue is its dual capability to host both thoroughbred and purebred Arabian horse racing, reflecting Saudi Arabia's deep equestrian heritage. The addition of the turf track in 2019 introduced cool-season grasses adapted to the local winter climate, enabling high-quality grass races alongside the traditional dirt events. While not directly integrated with the nearby Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the racetrack's expansive grounds support versatile uses, including conferences and exhibitions when not in racing season. For the annual Saudi Cup, preparations include the erection of temporary hospitality facilities and enhanced setups to accommodate international media and guests. These additions, such as expanded viewing areas and infrastructure, ensure seamless global coverage, with a record 38 broadcasters airing the event in 2025. The track's compatibility with the 1,800-meter race distance underscores its role in delivering elite-level performances under optimal conditions.

Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia

The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) was established in 1965 as the official governing body responsible for regulating, organizing, and developing Thoroughbred horse racing throughout the Kingdom. Initially formed under royal decree to oversee equestrian activities, the organization has evolved significantly in recent years to align with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and the promotion of sports as key pillars of national development. Under this framework, the JCSA has pursued a strategic revitalization since 2019, which led to its promotion from Part III to Part II status in the IFHA's International Cataloguing Standards in 2021, fostering a world-class industry that supports local talent and global integration. In managing the Saudi Cup, the JCSA handles critical operational responsibilities, including the processing of nominations, enforcement of drug testing protocols, and distribution of prizes to ensure fair competition and integrity. For instance, the club conducts post-race testing and investigations into potential doping violations, as demonstrated in its handling of the 2020 event where was withheld pending inquiries. Additionally, the JCSA collaborates with international organizations such as the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), of which it is a member, to standardize rules and facilitate cross-border participation. Beyond the Saudi Cup, the JCSA drives broader initiatives to strengthen Saudi Arabia's racing ecosystem, including subsidies and incentives for local breeding programs to enhance domestic production. These efforts integrate the Kingdom's with global events, attracting annual entries exceeding 1,000 horses from more than 20 countries to major meetings like the Saudi Cup. The organization also emphasizes sustainability and , operating a fully equipped equine , implementing strict safety protocols, and joining the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses to promote responsible post-racing care. Leadership of the JCSA is provided by His Highness Prince Bandar Bin Khalid Al Faisal, appointed chairman in 2018 by royal decree, who guides its focus on professional excellence, community engagement, and alignment with national goals for equestrian advancement. Under his direction, the club has prioritized innovative practices, such as and targeted investments, to ensure long-term growth while upholding ethical standards in welfare and industry sustainability.

Historical Development

Inception and Early Years

The Saudi Cup was announced on , 2019, by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as a flagship initiative to elevate the Kingdom's equestrian sports profile and support economic diversification efforts outlined in Vision 2030. The race was designed as a 1,800-meter event on dirt at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in , with an inaugural purse of $20 million—including $10 million to the winner—to draw elite international competitors and position as a premier destination for . This substantial financial incentive aimed to surpass existing benchmarks like the Pegasus World Cup, fostering global partnerships and while aligning with broader goals to reduce oil dependency through sports and entertainment investments. The inaugural edition took place on February 29, 2020, featuring 12 starters from multiple countries and marking the debut of high-stakes international racing in the region. Maximum Security, trained by Jason Servis and ridden by , crossed the finish line first, earning the $10 million top prize in a time of 1:50.09. However, in August 2024, Maximum Security was disqualified following revelations that Servis had administered —a prohibited —leading to Midnight Bisou being elevated to winner, with the purse redistributed accordingly. This controversy sparked debates over drug testing protocols and veterinary oversight in international events, though organizers praised the seamless execution of logistics, including measures and global broadcasting. For the 2021 renewal on February 20, the Saudi Cup maintained its $20 million purse amid ongoing challenges, with adaptations such as limited attendance, enhanced health screenings, and virtual participation options to ensure continuity. A field of 14 runners competed, reflecting a stronger international contingent, including top American contenders like and Knicks Go. Mishriff, a French-bred colt owned by Prince Faisal bin Khalid Al Saud and ridden by David Egan, staged a late rally to win by a length over , securing the $10 million prize and underscoring the race's appeal to European and Middle Eastern talent. This victory highlighted a shift toward broader global participation despite disruptions. From its outset, the Saudi Cup solidified its status as the world's richest horse race, attracting over 22 winners across its first two editions and generating significant media coverage. While the disqualification drew criticism regarding integrity standards, the event was lauded for its world-class facilities, efficient organization, and role in elevating Saudi racing's prestige on the international stage.

Expansion and International Recognition

The Saudi Cup's expansion gained significant momentum in 2022, when Emblem Road, a home-trained contender owned by Prince Saud bin Salman Abdulaziz, secured victory on February 26 in a field of 14 runners that featured prominent U.S.-based horses such as Country Grammer alongside Saudi-bred participants. This edition marked a pivotal milestone, as the $20 million purse earned official recognition from Guinness World Records as the greatest prize money for a single horse race. The event's growing allure was evident in the diverse international field, which included top talents from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, underscoring the race's evolution from a regional fixture to a global spectacle. By 2023, the Saudi Cup further solidified its international stature, with Japan's claiming the win on February 25 under jockey , highlighting a surge in Japanese participation and dominance across the weekend's races. The two-day meeting boasted a total purse exceeding $35 million, attracting over 1,400 entries from 22 countries, including a record 20 horses from alone, which contributed to a of victories for the nation. This influx reflected the race's rising prestige, bolstered by strategic partnerships such as collaborations with the through events like the Royal Cup and emerging ties with the Breeders' Cup for enhanced global connectivity. The event's elevated profile was affirmed in the World's Best Racehorse Rankings, where the 2023 Saudi Cup achieved a top-tier rating of 124 for winner , positioning it among the world's premier dirt races. These developments aligned closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes economic diversification through sports and entertainment to reduce oil dependency. The Saudi Cup contributed to this by driving , with the 2023 edition drawing thousands of international visitors and generating substantial media coverage that amplified the Kingdom's global image as a hub for elite sporting events. This integration not only boosted local engagement but also positioned the race as a key driver in attracting over 2.5 million tourists to Saudi-hosted international sports fixtures in recent years.

Recent Developments

In the 2024 edition of the Saudi Cup, held on February 24 at King Abdulaziz Racetrack, Senor Buscador secured victory in a dramatic , edging out Tesoro by a nose to claim the $10 million winner's share of the $20 million purse. The weekend's total prize money reached $37.6 million across multiple races, attracting a field that included 32 individual or Grade 1 winners in nominations from 20 countries. This triumph marked the first Saudi Cup win for U.S. trainer Todd Fincher, highlighting the event's growing appeal to American connections. The 2025 edition, contested on February 22, featured a 14-horse field with Forever Young (Japan) entering as the favorite at around 2-1 odds from post position 6. Other field entries included contenders such as Luxor Cafe and Walk of Stars (both around 20-1), and longshots like Sunrise Zipangu (35-1) and Haqeet (100-1). Ridden by Ryusei Sakai and trained by Japan's Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young delivered a thrilling come-from-behind victory. He rallied past Romantic Warrior (Hong Kong) in the final strides to win by a nose, completing a stakes-record time of 1:49.099 over the 1,800-meter dirt course, with Ushba Tesoro (Japan) third, Wilson Tesoro fourth, and Rattle N Roll (USA) fifth. Forever Young's success represented the trainer's second victory in the race, following Panthalassa's win in 2023, and underscored the rising prominence of Japanese dirt runners on the international stage. Recent enhancements to the Saudi Cup have emphasized technological integration and fan engagement, including digital ticketing available through official platforms like WeBook.com and interactive virtual reality experiences for attendees, such as immersive horse racing simulations and cultural projections at the venue. Prize money for the 2025 weekend totaled over $35 million, with upgrades to undercard races like the Riyadh Dirt Sprint increasing its purse to $2 million, reflecting ongoing commitments to elevate the event's competitiveness. As of , the Saudi Cup continues to draw exceptional international interest, with nominations for the weekend meeting including 81 individual winners from 21 countries, totaling 1,123 entries chasing $38.1 million in purses. This surge solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a pivotal hub in global , fostering cross-continental rivalries and elevating the sport's prestige through its unmatched financial incentives and logistical support.

2026 Saudi Cup

The post position draw for the 2026 Saudi Cup ($20 million G1, scheduled for February 14, 2026, at King Abdulaziz Racecourse) was held on Wednesday prior to February 11, 2026. The 14-horse field assignments are:
  1. Sunrise Zipangu
  2. Haqeet
  3. Banishing
  4. Ameerat Azamaan
  5. Star Of Wonder
  6. Forever Young (defending champion)
  7. Nevada Beach
  8. Tumbarumba
  9. Bishops Bay
  10. Luxor Café
  11. Rattle N Roll
  12. Nysos
  13. Mhally
  14. Thundersquall
Notable draws include Forever Young in stall 6, aiming for a historic repeat win as no horse has previously won two editions of the race, and Nysos in stall 12.

Records

Track and Performance Records

The Saudi Cup, contested over 1,800 meters on at King Abdulaziz Racetrack, has seen progressive improvements in winning times since its inception, reflecting adaptations to the track surface and competitive fields. The fastest recorded winning time is 1:49.09, achieved by Forever Young in 2025 under fast conditions. This mark surpassed the previous benchmark of 1:49.50 set by Senor Buscador in 2024. In contrast, the slowest winning time stands at 1:50.80 by in 2023, run on a fast track but influenced by a measured pace. The inaugural 2020 edition produced a winning time of 1:50.58 by Maximum Security (subsequently disqualified, with Midnight Bisou elevated to winner), establishing the baseline for the event on the natural sand-based dirt surface. Subsequent races have shown a trend toward quicker times, with 2021's 1:49.59 by Mishriff and 2022's 1:50.52 by Emblem Road demonstrating incremental refinements in track maintenance and horse preparation, though no major surface alterations have been documented. Margins of victory in the Saudi Cup have typically been tight, underscoring the race's competitiveness among elite international fields. The largest verified margin is 1 length, recorded by Mishriff in 2021 over . Other notable close finishes include Emblem Road's half-length win in 2022 and Panthalassa's three-quarter-length triumph in 2023, both highlighting dramatic stretches. The 2025 renewal ended in a decision for Forever Young over , continuing the pattern of razor-thin resolutions. The race has maintained consistent field sizes, with a maximum of 14 starters each year, resulting in an average of 14 horses per edition across its six runnings. This standardized capacity has facilitated balanced competition without overcrowding on the 25-meter-wide track. While specific speed indices like Beyer figures are not routinely published for the Saudi Cup due to its international metric focus, the evolving times indicate high-level performances comparable to top global dirt races. Weather has occasionally influenced outcomes, such as the cooler conditions in 2021 contributing to the faster time relative to warmer editions.
YearWinnerWinning TimeMargin of Victory
2020Maximum Security (DQ; Midnight Bisou official)1:50.583/4 length
2021Mishriff1:49.591 length
2022Emblem Road1:50.521/2 length
20231:50.803/4 length
2024Senor Buscador1:49.50Nose
2025Forever Young1:49.09Neck

Career Achievements

The Saudi Cup has seen limited repeat successes among its participants since its in 2020, with trainers holding the distinction for multiple victories. Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi stands alone with two wins, saddling to victory in 2023 and Forever Young in 2025, marking the first time any trainer has achieved this feat in the race's history. No other trainer has secured more than one win across the event's editions. Jockey achievements remain fragmented, with no rider repeating as a winner to date. Each of the six runnings has produced a different winning jockey, including aboard Midnight Bisou (official winner) in the inaugural 2020 edition and David Egan on Mishriff in 2021. This pattern underscores the race's intense competition and the one-off nature of top performances at King Abdulaziz Racetrack. Several horses have leveraged their Saudi Cup triumphs to elevate their careers on the global stage. Mishriff, the 2021 winner under Egan, went on to claim the later that year, solidifying his status as a top turf performer before retiring to stud in . Similarly, Forever Young's 2025 victory boosted his career earnings, culminating in over $19.3 million as of November 2025 after winning the Breeders' Cup Classic later that year, enhancing his profile as one of Japan's leading dirt runners with subsequent international targets. The race's $10 million winner's purse has significantly amplified earnings for international contenders, contributing to record-breaking totals for horses like these. Ownership records highlight the event's appeal to elite patrons, with Saudi royals maintaining a prominent presence. Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Faisal, owner of 2021 victor Mishriff, received the trophy directly from , exemplifying royal involvement in the sport's prestige. Meanwhile, U.S. and Japanese owners have risen in influence, starting with American Gary L. Barber's Maximum Security in 2020, followed by Japanese syndicates like Hiroo Race Co. (, 2023) and (Forever Young, 2025), reflecting growing international investment in the Middle East's richest race. Winners have begun to exert influence on global breeding programs, particularly through high-profile stallions. , the 2023 champion, retired to Yulong Stud in with career earnings over $21 million, where his first crop foals are anticipated to carry the value of his Saudi Cup pedigree from the Lord Kanaloa line; his stud fee rose to $66,000 for 2025, signaling market confidence in his progeny potential. Mishriff's transition to Haras de la Hetraie in further extends the breeding legacy of Saudi Cup alumni, with his International win adding to the sire appeal derived from the event.

Results and Winners

Year-by-Year Results

The inaugural 2020 Saudi Cup ended in controversy when Maximum Security, the initial winner, was disqualified over four years later due to the trainer's involvement in a doping scandal, promoting Midnight Bisou to the official victory. The 2021 edition, held amid the global with restricted international travel, featured a strong multinational field that highlighted the event's growing appeal, as Mishriff delivered an upset victory by surging late to defeat American favorite in a thrilling stretch battle. In , the $20 million purse underscored the race's status as the world's richest, but the spotlight fell on local hero Emblem Road, a Saudi-owned at 99-1 , who rallied from off the pace to upset a field of international stars and deliver a home-team triumph amid roaring crowd support. The 2023 Saudi Cup marked a breakthrough for Japanese racing when led wire-to-wire to hold off a robust U.S. challenge from Country Grammer, securing the first victory for a Japanese-trained in the event's and boosting the country's profile on the global dirt stage. Senor Buscador's dramatic late surge in 2024 clinched the win in a over Tesoro, capping a race that drew diverse entries from 15 countries and exemplified the event's expanding international draw. The 2025 Saudi Cup, held on February 22, 2025, at King Abdulaziz Racetrack, delivered a nail-biting photo-finish duel as Forever Young (Japan), ridden by Ryusei Sakai and trained by Yoshito Yahagi for owner Susumu Fujita, edged Romantic Warrior (Hong Kong) at the wire, with Ushba Tesoro (Japan) finishing third, Wilson Tesoro fourth, and Rattle N Roll fifth. Forever Young was a strong contender in the race. This victory gave trainer Yoshito Yahagi a repeat success following his 2023 triumph with and affirmed Japan's rising dominance in the competition.

All-Time Winners Table

The following table summarizes the winners of the since its inception in 2020, listing key details for each running of the 1,800-meter (approximately 1 + 1⁄8-mile) race at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in . Data includes the horse's country of origin (foaling location) and the total number of starters in the field.
YearWinnerCountryStartersJockeyTrainerOwnerTimeNotes
2020Midnight BisouUSA12Mike E. SmithSteven AsmussenBloom Racing et al.1:50.59*Elevated from 2nd after Maximum Security disqualification for trainer misconduct
2021MishriffIreland14David EganJohn & Thady GosdenPrince A.R. Al Faisal1:49.59Saudi-owned British/Irish-bred colt; upset favorite Charlatan
2022Emblem RoadUSA14Wigberto RamosMitab AlmulawahPrince Saud bin Salman1:50.5399-1 longshot; first Saudi-trained winner
2023PanthalassaJapan14Yutaka YoshidaYoshito YahagiHiroo Race Co. Ltd.1:50.80First Japanese winner; held off late charge from Country Grammer
2024Senor BuscadorUSA14Junior AlvaradoTodd FincherPeacock/Hariri1:49.50Edged Ushba Tesoro in final strides; former Quarter Horse connections
2025Forever YoungJapan14Ryusei SakaiYoshito YahagiSusumu Fujita1:49.09Stakes record time; second win for trainer Yahagi

References

  1. https://jcsa.sa/en/saudi-cup/
  2. https://jcsa.sa/en/saudi-cup/saudi-cup-story-so-far/
  3. https://www.offtrackbetting.com/saudi-cup/
  4. https://issuu.com/equestrian-jcsa/docs/horsemens_guide_2025_pdf
  5. https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/riyadh/events/saudi-cup
  6. https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/27/sport/saudi-cup-horse-racing-richest-race-preview-spt-intl
  7. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/265351/west-would-support-saudi-cup-dq-of-maximum-security
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