 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
The world's richest race meeting is primed to showcase another spectacular edition when the Saudi Cup returns to King Abdulaziz Racecourse on February 21-22, featuring an unprecedented US$38.1m in prize money across its glittering programme.
The opening day presents eight high-class contests, with fourteen elite jockeys - evenly split between male and female - competing for the Invest Saudi International Jockey Challenge across four races. The card launches with the Mosef Fillies Mile, followed by the newly-introduced Saudia Sarawat Cup over 1200m and the Lucid Tuwaiq Cup, an 1800m dirt contest, before culminating in the Gr.1 Ministry of Culture Al Mneefah Cup worth US$1.5m.
The centrepiece US$20m Saudi Cup tops Saturday's nine-race card, supported by a string of valuable contests including the Ministry of Culture Jockey Club Local Handicap and the Gr.1 Diriyah Gate Development Authority Obaiya Arabian Classic for Purebreds. The US$2m Howden Neom Turf Cup, US$2.5m Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap, US$1.5m Boutique Group Saudi Derby, National Housing Commission Saudi International Handicap, Sports Boulevard Riyadh Dirt Sprint and Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint complete an outstanding programme.
Beyond the racing action, spectators can immerse themselves in Saudi culture through traditional folk displays, contemporary performances, and innovative art installations including "Window of Culture" and "Luminous Patterns". The Al Berdakh experience showcases local craftsmanship and music through virtual reality technology, while the returning 100 Brands fashion exhibition adds further cultural flair.
Entry prices begin at US$46.67 for general admission, with US$133.33 securing a Racing Season Pass and US$1,066.67 required for The Al Thuraya Trackside experience.