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| Staff Writer |
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A stellar cast of 28 Group One winners, headlined by Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River, Breeders' Cup Classic victor Sierra Leone and Hong Kong sensation Romantic Warrior, are targeting next month's Gr.1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.
The 1800m contest, carrying a whopping US$20 million purse, has attracted last year's Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and defending champion Señor Buscador, while Japanese Derby winner Danon Decile adds further international flavour to the February 22 showpiece.
Notable challengers include Saudi Derby winner Forever Young, Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint star Soul Of An Angel and five-time Argentine Group One winner El Kodigo, setting up a mouth-watering clash of racing's elite.
The two-day Saudi Cup meeting, offering US$38.1 million in prize money, features newly upgraded races including the Gr.2 Red Sea Turf Handicap, where Melbourne Cup runner-up Warp Speed could face British challenger Al Nayyir and St Leger winner Continuous.
Sir Alex Ferguson's Spirit Dancer is seeking back-to-back victories in the Gr.2 Neom Turf Cup, potentially clashing with Japan Cup second Shin Emperor and Danon Beluga. Dual Group One winners Measured Time and Al Riffa are representing the UAE and Ireland respectively.
The Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint sees defending champion Annaf potentially facing Prix Maurice de Gheest winner Lazzat and Japanese Group One winners Ten Happy Rose and Ascoli Piceno.
Remake aims to defend his crown in the newly promoted Gr.2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint against Golden Shaheen winner Tuz and Breeders' Cup Sprint victor Straight No Chaser.
The Gr.3 Saudi Derby features unbeaten Japanese star Myriad Love, alongside American challenger Getaway Car, Al Qudra and Argentine Group One winner Giustino.
The meeting also showcases top-class Arabian racing, with dual Group One Arabian winner Hadi De Carrere and unbeaten HM Alchahine targeting the Gr.1 Obaiya Arabian Classic. The Gr.1 Al Mneefah Cup has attracted multiple Group One winners Abbes and Nour Al Maury, alongside First Classs and President Cup winner Heros De Lagarde.
Local champion Asfan Al Khalediah, who completed the Al Mneefah Cup-Obaiya Arabian Classic double last year, holds entries in both races, while stablemate and Dubai Kahayla Classic winner Tilal Al Khalediah is similarly doubly entered.
HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, Chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia said: "On behalf of everyone at the JCSA, I would like to extend my thanks to owners and trainers from around the world for their nominations for the 2025 Saudi Cup meeting. We are proud to be top of mind for the trainers of the world's best from more than 20 countries, including so many that have won at the highest level.
"Horse racing thrives on international competition, and we believe that The Saudi Cup is the perfect event to showcase the best of global racing. The Saudi Cup itself is the pinnacle of our racing season and in a few short years has become a truly global race. This year's renewal looks perhaps the strongest yet.
"Horse racing and celebrating the brilliance of both the Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian are at the heart of traditional culture in Saudi Arabia, and events such as The Saudi Cup play a big role in engaging the local community in all aspects of the sport. As we continually improve our offering, through race upgrades and further investment, The Kingdom continues to grow as a destination for horse racing, both domestically and internationally.
"We look forward to welcoming all connections to King Abdulaziz Racecourse next month for what promises to be another unforgettable Saudi Cup meeting."