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| Staff Writer |
The 2024-25 Saudi Arabian racing season delivered spectacular performances across two major racing festivals at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. From Rattle N Roll's impressive qualification run to Forever Young's historic Saudi Cup triumph, the season reinforced Saudi Arabia's position on the global racing stage with unprecedented international participation and competitive racing
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Rattle N Roll stormed to victory in the Gr.3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, booking his place in the US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup scheduled for 22 February 2025.
The Kenny McPeek-trained horse, leased for his Middle East campaign by Saudi Arabian businessman Sharaf Al Hariri from US owners Lucky Seven Stables, delivered a performance that defied the track's typical running pattern. With Hall of Fame jockey Joel Rosario in the saddle, Rattle N Roll settled near the rear of the field after breaking from stall 10, biding his time as fellow American competitor E J Won The Cup set a strong early pace under Mike Smith.
As the field turned for home, Rosario began to make his move, guiding the son of Connect toward the inside rail, where the pair found clear running room. Once in the stretch, Rattle N Roll displayed tremendous finishing speed, powering away from his rivals to win by an emphatic four-and-three-quarter lengths.
"The horse was able to do everything," said Rosario after the race. "I was just sitting there; the pace was good in front and it worked out perfectly. It looked like it was a good pace. I just wanted to let him be where he wanted to be, and hopefully, he could run at the end, and he did! He just went away [after crossing the line]. It was a very good win."
The victory marked part of a successful day for Rosario, who also guided Ancestral Land to victory in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier for Saudi-based trainer Jimmy Jerkens. "It's very nice to be here. We had two winners – it was a good day," Rosario reflected. "So many things have to go your way, but it's a blessing when you can win."
Wait To Excel and Wootton'sun completed the placings, finishing second and third, respectively, contributing to an excellent day for Prince Faisal's Red Stable, which celebrated five winners in total on the card.
The Saturday card featured several other significant races, including two high-profile Group One contests. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for Saudi-bred horses went to Yaroa under leading rider Camilo Ospina, while the SAR 5 million (US$1.3 million) King Abdulaziz Cup was captured by Taj Blaadi ridden by Saudi Cup-winning jockey Wigberto Ramos.
Portuguese rider Ricardo Ferreira enjoyed a particularly successful day, riding three winners, including Mhally in the 2000 Guineas, a Gr.3 Saudi Derby qualifier.
The Al-Diriyah Cup, a qualifier for the Gr.1 Obaiya Arabian Classic, was won by Nirehazz for trainer Omar Altuwilei and owner Mohammed Eidan A Alduhamshi.
Friday's meeting at King Abdulaziz Racecourse also featured three Saudi Cup qualifiers. Malyan, ridden by Ricardo Ferreira, won the 1351 Turf Sprint Qualifier, while Ospina guided Bolide Potro to victory in the Listed Prince Khalid Abdullah Cup, a qualifier for the Gr.2 Neom Turf Cup. The Arabian Horses Open, serving as the Al Mneefah Qualifier, was won by Sharfa Alhezam under Naif Alanzi.
RB Kingmaker stormed to victory in the US$1.5 million Al Mneefah Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, marking a significant milestone for both the prestigious race and its triumphant connections.
The 6YO grey Purebred Arabian, trained by Helal Alalawi and masterfully piloted by Italian jockey Cristian Demuro, overcame a challenging wide trip to secure a one-length victory in the 2,100-metre turf contest. Nabucco Al Maury claimed second place, while local hope Asfan Al Khalediah finished half a length further back in third.
Breaking from an unfavourable post 12 in the 13-runner field, RB Kingmaker remained wide throughout the race before launching a determined late charge. The American-bred son of Baseq Al Khalediah completed the distance in an impressive time of 2 minutes 20.298 seconds, securing his second career Group One victory following his February 2024 triumph in Abu Dhabi's HH The President Cup.
"There are no words to tell you how I'm feeling," said an emotional Alalawi after the race. "To be honest, this has been a dream that has now come true. It's been a hard situation for our stable this season. As you've seen, we keep finishing second in the World Cup and third in the Emir's Sword, and we lost the President Cup in Abu Dhabi. It's not easy for a local stable like us."
The victory held special significance for Alalawi, who has long heralded RB Kingmaker as one of the finest horses he has trained. "Today is one of the biggest achievements in our career," he continued. "Cristian executed the race exactly how we asked him to and was perfect. He knows the horse, and as you saw, we saw the real Kingmaker today."
Demuro, who has developed a strong partnership with RB Kingmaker throughout his career, delivered a tactically astute ride. "He is not an easy horse, but today he had the perfect race," said Demuro. "I anticipated the moment they would quicken, as I know the Al Khalediah horses. So I always had my eye on them. If you don't attack, they always get away. I surprised them a little and my horse responded well."
The 2024 edition of the Al Mneefah Cup carried special significance as it was the first to be run with international PA Group One status, having been upgraded from PA Group Two by the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing. The prestigious upgrade marked an important milestone for the race, elevating its standing in the international Purebred Arabian racing calendar.
The Al Mneefah Cup is one of two flagship Purebred Arabian races held during the Saudi Cup meeting. It joins the US$2 million Obaiya Arabian Classic as the second PA Group One contest at the event. The race is typically staged one day before the main Saudi Cup.
As Demuro noted after RB Kingmaker's victory, "It is fabulous to win this race. It is a Group One race and this also opens the doors for Dubai and elsewhere," highlighting the growing significance of the Al Mneefah Cup on the international Purebred Arabian racing circuit.
The prestigious Saudi Cup 2025 kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. The opening night featured the Fillies Mile, setting an impressive tone for what promised to be an extraordinary weekend of racing excellence.
Ameerat Alzamaan delivered a commanding performance under jockey Ricardo Ferreira's masterful guidance, bringing tremendous pride to Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin A/Aziz's stable. Trained by Sami Al Harabi, the filly demonstrated remarkable heart and acceleration in the final furlong, securing a decisive victory that left spectators in awe.
The battle for second place proved equally captivating as local favourite Deem, piloted by talented jockey Aseel Alsarhani, claimed the runner-up position. Owner Abdulsalam Abdulrahman N Almajed and trainer Abdullah Alfarraj could take pride in their mare's composed and determined performance throughout the challenging race.
Completing the top three was Fallat Kheir, owned by King Abdullah bin A/Aziz Sons and trained by A. Mohamoud. Under jockey Abdullah Alfairouz's skilled guidance, the horse delivered an impressive run that showcased remarkable determination and racing prowess.
The prestigious Sarawat Cup delivered an unforgettable spectacle during the Saudi Cup opening night as homegrown talent Karimi secured a magnificent victory. The Saudi-bred champion displayed exceptional poise and determination throughout the contest under the masterful guidance of jockey Adel Alfouraidi and trainer Abdulaziz Alhzabi, bringing immense pride to owner Khaled M. M. Alghufaili.
In a remarkable demonstration of Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving racing prowess, the top three positions were claimed exclusively by KSA-bred horses. Qtaae Sharae, owned by Prince Abdulaziz bin Mosaid bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, delivered an impressive performance with jockey Wigberto Ramos to secure second place. Kawafill completed the all-Saudi podium, skillfully piloted by Eiad Alturisi for owner Fawaz Muhareb H. Almshrafi.
This historic result represents a significant milestone for Saudi Arabian horse racing, showcasing the kingdom's flourishing breeding programmes and the rising international calibre of Saudi Arabian Thoroughbreds. The Sarawat Cup has firmly established itself as a premier event that highlights the successful development of local talent.
In a groundbreaking achievement for Saudi Arabian horse racing, Muhammad Aldaham became the first local rider to win the International Jockeys' Challenge. The 32-year-old Saudi jockey dominated the competition with an impressive 30 points, setting an exciting tone for the remainder of the Saudi Cup weekend.
Aldaham's victory came through commanding performances in the early stages of the challenge. He secured first place in Round 1 aboard Jawhar Alriyadh for trainer Abdulaziz Almuteb, narrowly defeating James McDonald's mount Allah Maae in a thrilling head-to-head finish. Aldaham followed this with another win in Round 2, demonstrating exceptional tactical awareness while guiding Jahdoon to a convincing two and three-quarter lengths victory for trainer Thamer Aldaihani.
"I'm extremely proud and very honoured to represent my country in the International Challenge," said Aldaham after receiving the trophy. "It's good for me and good for my country. I am really happy; I can't tell you how much. I came to ride here when I was 16 years old. I'm from the countryside and I had lots of help when I was young."
The later rounds of the challenge saw international jockeys come to the fore. In Round 3, which moved to the turf course, four-time British champion jockey Oisin Murphy ended the local domination by winning aboard the Irish-bred Honky Tonk Man, trained by American conditioner Jimmy Jerkens.
Australian rider Rachel King delivered a masterclass in the final Round 4 with a perfectly timed late surge aboard Miyagi, trained by Mamdoh Alali. Starting from the back of the field, King skillfully navigated through her competitors to win by five lengths. This victory, combined with her second-place finish in Round 2, secured her runner-up position in the overall standings.
Despite not winning a race, James McDonald finished third in the championship standings with 21 points, accumulated through a second place in Round 1, third place in Round 2, and fourth place in Round 3.
Scotland Yard delivered a masterclass performance to secure the prestigious Tuwaiq Cup at the 2025 Saudi Cup opening night. Under the skilled guidance of jockey Adel Alfouraidi, the American-bred Thoroughbred dominated the field, winning by an impressive five and a half lengths.
Owned by Prince Saud bin Salman Abdulaziz and trained by Nicolas Bachalard, Scotland Yard has established himself as a formidable competitor in Saudi Arabian racing. The 6YO has previously competed in the Saudi Cup on two occasions and was a reserve for this year's renewal, demonstrating his consistent high-level performance.
The US$500,000 Tuwaiq Cup developed into an enthralling spectacle as Waqtuk, piloted by Eddie Castro and trained by Abdulaziz Almosa, mounted a formidable challenge in the closing stages. The ALassail Stable-owned contender pushed Scotland Yard to the limit but ultimately had to settle for second place.
Not to be outdone, the Irish-bred Mr. Trinket, under Alexis Moreno's guidance and trained by Abdullah Abdulaziz, made a spirited late charge to secure third place, adding an international flavour to the finish. The winning time was recorded at 1:52.756.
After the race, trainer Nicolas Bachalard expressed his satisfaction with Scotland Yard's performance."It didn't happen to him last time but he's just a really good horse. He has issues with his feet, but we were very happy going into the race," he explains.
Bachalard also noted his disappointment that Scotland Yard wasn't selected for the Saudi Cup itself, stating, "It's a shame for His Highness that he didn't get into the Saudi Cup. I believe he's the best horse we have in Saudi Arabia."
In a stunning display of local racing prowess, Almobeer secured a compelling victory in the opening race of the 2025 Saudi Cup meeting. Under the masterful guidance of internationally acclaimed jockey Joel Rosario, the Saudi-bred Thoroughbred demonstrated exceptional form throughout the Ministry of Culture-presented Jockey Club Local Handicap.
Trainer Hamad Alrasheed's meticulous preparation was evident as Almobeer, owned by Naghimsh Fahad A. Alajmi, maintained perfect positioning throughout the contest. The victory marks a significant achievement for Saudi Arabian horse racing, highlighting the growing strength of the kingdom's breeding programmes.
The race developed into an intensely competitive affair with Ibn Toulon, piloted by Luis Morales, mounting a serious challenge in the closing stages. The Bassim Almousa-trained runner-up, representing owner Abdulrahman Abdullah A. Almakhdoob, displayed remarkable determination but ultimately couldn't match Almobeer's superior pace in the final furlongs.
Completing the all-Saudi podium was Lelah Doroh, steered by French jockey Mickael Barzalona for trainer Ahmed Mohamoud. The King Abdallah Bin A/Aziz Sons-owned contender put in a commendable performance to secure third place, further underscoring the strength of local breeding programmes.
In a commanding display of Arabian racing excellence, Saudi-bred champion Tilal Al Khalediah secured another decisive victory at the prestigious Saudi Cup meeting, winning the US$2 million Obaiyah Arabian Classic.
Under the skilled guidance of jockey Adel Alfouraidi, the accomplished Purebred Arabian maintained his exceptional form, finishing three and a half lengths ahead of French-bred Eifrit in a time of 2:16.382. Nirehazz, another French challenger, completed the podium in third place.
This impressive win marks Tilal Al Khalediah's third consecutive triumph at the Saudi Cup meeting, having previously claimed the same race in 2023 and the Al Mneefah Cup just twelve months ago. The victory adds another prestigious title to the champion's growing collection, reinforcing his status as one of Arabian racing's most formidable competitors.
"It's an honour to win this race again. I know this horse; he loves this track, and I was not afraid of any of the other horses," said jockey Adel Alfouraidi after the race, reflecting his confidence in his mount's abilities.
Trained by Nasser Mutlaq for Alkhalediah Stables, Tilal Al Khalediah was always prominent throughout the contest. He disputed the lead with Barakka before pulling decisively clear in the straight, demonstrating his exceptional class that has now resulted in an impressive record of ten wins from eleven career starts.
His trainer, Nasser Mutlaq, expressed his admiration for the champion. "This horse, I love him so much”, he enthuses. “ Group One after Group One, he does it every time. He can go for the Kahayla in Dubai now. He makes me happy. I've known him for five years and he's a champion. I have a great team."
French-bred challengers put up a valiant effort, with Marco Casamento aboard Eifrit commenting, "He ran well. This is his first time running in Riyadh, and I am looking forward to his next start." Nawaf Almudiani, jockey of third-placed Nirehazz, simply stated, "He ran OK. He is a good horse."
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In a thrilling display of speed and determination, Golden Vekoma captured the US$1.5 million Group Three Saudi Derby at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Under the expert guidance of British jockey Connor Beasley, the American-bred colt delivered a classic performance that firmly established him as one of the most promising 3YOs in training.
Representing the United Arab Emirates for trainer Ahmad bin Harmash and owner Mohammed Ahmad Ali Alsubousi, Golden Vekoma demonstrated exceptional class, overtaking Japanese challenger Shin Forever in the final stages to secure victory by a length and three-quarters with a time of 1:38.185 over the 1600-metre course.
"These were deep waters today, but he showed his class. It's a big day for myself and the whole team," said an elated Beasley after the race. "We were going good fractions down the back, and it was just a matter of keeping tabs on them. Once I hit the straight there, he went about his job really well and galloped all the way to the line."
The victory marks a significant milestone in Golden Vekoma's rapidly ascending career, following his impressive win in last month's Gr.3 UAE 2000 Guineas at Meydan. He showcased his versatility in that race by successfully navigating the metric mile despite a challenging wide draw in a full field of sixteen runners.
Trainer Ahmad bin Harmash expressed immense satisfaction with his star pupil. "I am very proud. He's a good horse and he has a big heart; he'll always try. He's been running very well over the mile so we thought we'd try here then wait for the UAE Derby."
The international flavour of the Saudi Cup meeting was on full display as Japanese-trained Shin Forever, ridden by Akira Sugawara for owner Susumu Fujita, secured second place with an admirable performance. British-bred Mhally completed the international podium, finishing third under Ricardo Ferreira for trainer Thamer Aldaihani and owner Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah.
In a commanding display of speed and talent, American sprinter Straight No Chaser captured the US$2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint, cementing his status as a global sprint sensation. The victory on the prestigious Saudi Cup card adds another impressive achievement to the 6YO's growing legacy.
Under the expert guidance of jockey John Velazquez, Straight No Chaser broke sharply from the gates and quickly established his position at the front of the field. Despite the early pressure from Jasper Krone, Velazquez maintained perfect control as his mount powered through the 1200-meter contest, crossing the finish line three and three-quarter lengths clear of his nearest rival in a time of 1:11.159.
"He broke really well," Velazquez recounted after the race. "After Jasper Krone came up on the outside, I was going to see if I could get him back a little bit and try to grab him. He started to fight me, so I just said, 'OK, I'll leave him alone', and then he relaxed a little better."
Trained by Dan Blacker for the MyRacehorse syndicate, Straight No Chaser arrived in Saudi Arabia with high expectations following his victory in the Grade One Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar last November. The son of Speightster did not disappoint, confirming his status as one of the major equine attractions of this year's Saudi Cup meeting.
"I'm just really proud of the horse and I'm glad he gets to prove himself on the global stage against the fastest horses in the world," Blacker stated after the victory. "It's pretty exciting. I'm thankful for the Saudi Cup and Prince Bandar for welcoming us here, and I'm fired up that he's a Breeders' Cup winner who's now won a Breeders' Cup 'Win & You're In'."
Local hope Muqtahem, trained by Thamer Aldaihani for Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, claimed a creditable second place under jockey Muhammad Aldaham. Japanese contender Gabby's Sister completed the international trifecta in third position, with jockey Christophe Lemaire expressing optimism about her future.
In a remarkable reversal of fortune from last year's disappointing performance, Austral delivered a compelling victory in the US$500,000 Saudi International Handicap at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. The 5YO French gelding, owned by Al Shaqab Racing and trained by Jean de Mieulle, demonstrated exceptional tactical prowess under the guidance of elite Belgian-born jockey Christophe Soumillon.
Austral, who finished second-last in the same race twelve months ago, showcased remarkable improvement to secure the win by approximately one length, completing the 2100-meter course in 2:09.689. The victory is a significant international success for the French connections and further establishes Al Shaqab's reputation for fielding high-class performers on the global racing stage.
"It wasn't easy. The pace was quite slow, especially on the first corner on the back straight," Soumillon explained after the race. "I was in a good position, but unfortunately, a horse hung out so I didn't have a clear run. Luckily this horse loves to fight; he did exactly the same thing in Qatar. He's got a big heart."
The Bahrain-trained Cracksking, ridden by Tom Marquand for trainer Allan Smith, mounted a determined challenge to secure second place. Meanwhile, another Bahraini contender, Qaader, trained by Fawzi Nass and ridden by Alberto Sanna, claimed third despite carrying a substantial weight of 61kg and encountering traffic problems at crucial moments.
The victory was particularly emotional for trainer Jean de Mieulle, given Austral's journey back from injury after last year's race. "I'm on cloud nine. I ride him nearly every day myself and this is a different feeling. It's just incredible," de Mieulle shared enthusiastically.
In a commanding display of tactical brilliance at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Japanese-trained Shin Emperor captured the US$2 million Gr.2 Howden Neom Turf Cup, further cementing Japan's growing influence in Middle East racing.
The French-bred colt, trained by master horseman Yoshito Yahagi, executed a perfect front-running performance under jockey Ryusei Sakai to secure victory by a convincing margin of one and three-quarter lengths. The winning time of 2:07.743 reflected the high-quality nature of the race, with the firm turf conditions playing perfectly in the winner's favour.
"We planned to go to the front; he was travelling very nicely and relaxed, and I was very comfortable all the way," said jockey Sakai in the aftermath of his triumph. "Another horse was there on the outside, but my horse was better, so I had no worries. I knew I was going to win."
The victory marks Yahagi's fifth win at the Saudi Cup meeting, following last year's success with Panthalassa in the prestigious Saudi Cup. Yahagi's strategic approach paid dividends as Shin Emperor, a brother of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Sottsass, demonstrated exceptional acceleration when it mattered most.
German-bred Calif, trained by Fawzi Nass, mounted a spirited challenge to secure second place, while Al Riffa, representing the powerful stable of trainer Joseph O'Brien, finished third under legendary jockey Yutaka Take.
In a breathtaking display of speed and precision at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Ascoli Piceno captured victory in the prestigious Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint. Under jockey Christophe Lemaire's expert guidance, the Japanese-bred sprinter trained by Yoichi Kuroiwa showcased exceptional acceleration in the final furlong.
Japan's dominance was further emphasised with a quinella finish as Win Marvel, trained by Masashi Fukayama and ridden by Kohei Matsuyama, secured second place. The battle between these Japanese contenders delivered an electrifying showcase of their nation's racing prowess.
British-bred Goemon completed the podium, displaying remarkable tenacity to claim third position. Trained by Haider Ebrahim with Alberto Sanna in the saddle, Goemon represented Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim's interests admirably.
This competitive result underscores the international character of the Saudi Cup meeting, where excellence in global racing continues to flourish on Middle East soil, further establishing the region as a significant hub in the world racing calendar.
In a captivating display of endurance and strategic brilliance at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Byzantine Dream claimed an impressive victory in the Gr.2 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap. Under the expert guidance of jockey Oisin Murphy and trainer Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, the Japanese raider demonstrated exceptional determination throughout the challenging 2800m contest, securing a triumph that further establishes Japan's growing participation in Middle East racing.
The US$2.5 million event unfolded with tactical precision as Murphy positioned Byzantine Dream toward the rear of the field while Gregory set the early pace. As the race progressed, Presage Nocturne made a bold bid for glory with 400m remaining, but Byzantine Dream quickly asserted his dominance. The Japanese colt maintained his advantage, completing the journey in 3:06.630.
Epic Poet, trained by David O'Meara and ridden by Danny Tudhope, mounted a determined challenge after being trapped behind horses for much of the contest. Once finding clear running, Epic Poet closed rapidly but couldn't bridge the gap, finishing a length and a quarter behind the winner. Continuous, representing trainer Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, secured third place but never threatened the leading duo in the final stages.
"He broke OK but I thought there would be a reasonable amount of pace and they went quicker than I expected," Murphy remarked after the race. "He felt super under me yesterday morning, although I only had about two hours' sleep when I got on him, but it was worth it."
In a breathtaking display of speed and determination, Japanese contender Forever Young made history at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, capturing the prestigious US$20 million Saudi Cup in dramatic fashion. The victory marks a significant milestone as Forever Young becomes the first horse to complete the Saudi Derby-Saudi Cup double, having won the former race at the same venue exactly 12 months prior.
Under the expert guidance of jockey Ryusei Sakai, the 4YO son of Real Steel delivered a masterclass performance that further solidifies Japan's growing prominence on the international racing stage. Breaking from the challenging outside post position 14, Forever Young demonstrated exceptional tactical awareness, smoothly positioning himself on the two paths behind the early pacesetter Walk of Stars.
The race developed into a thrilling duel down the stretch, with Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior mounting what briefly appeared to be a decisive move. The Danny Shum-trained challenger made a breathtaking five-wide bid approaching the completion of the turn, circling all rivals to take the race by the throat. However, Forever Young, showing remarkable resilience, found another gear in the final 200 metres to prevail by a neck margin.
The quality of the field emphasised the race's status as one of the world's premier dirt contests. Japan dominated the event with an exceptional showing, placing four runners in the top six positions. Defending champion Ushba Tesoro claimed third place, finishing 10 and a half lengths behind the front pair but demonstrating tremendous heart after encountering traffic issues mid-race. Wilson Tesoro secured fourth position, with Ramjet completing Japan's strong representation in sixth place.
For trainer Yoshito Yahagi, the victory represents another international triumph in an increasingly impressive global campaign. The success comes on the heels of Forever Young's dominant performance in the Tokyo Daishoten in December 2024, a race that signalled his readiness for international competition.
The Saudi Cup victory adds to an already remarkable record for Forever Young, who has now won eight of his ten career starts. His only defeats came with third-place finishes in America's 2024 Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic - performances that marked significant breakthroughs for Japanese racing, establishing new benchmarks for their dirt horses competing on the global stage.
The financial rewards match the prestige, with the first-place prize pushing Forever Young's career earnings to an impressive US$14,248,207. Owner Susumu Fujita's investment in premium bloodstock has been handsomely rewarded, with the victory showcasing the continued evolution of Japanese breeding programmes and their ability to produce versatile Thoroughbreds capable of competing at the highest level on both turf and dirt surfaces.
The Saudi Cup triumph wasn't the only success for connections on the card, as Fujita, Sakai, and Yahagi had earlier celebrated victory with Shin Emperor in the US$2 million Howden Neom Turf Cup, contributing to a dominant day for Japanese racing that saw them secure four wins overall.
Romantic Warrior, despite the narrow defeat, enhanced his reputation with a remarkable performance in his first dirt outing. The world's highest-earning horse, who has excelled on turf across various international jurisdictions, demonstrated remarkable adaptability in transitioning from turf to dirt, validating his connections' bold decision to target this prestigious event.
According to connections, Forever Young will likely target the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup on 5 April for his next appearance, continuing a campaign that has established him as one of the world's premier Thoroughbreds. His Saudi Cup victory not only secures his place in racing history but also further elevates Japan's standing in the international racing community, demonstrating their ability to compete and triumph at the highest level on dirt surfaces around the globe.
1. Forever Young (T: Yoshito Yahagi)
2. Romantic Warrior (T: Danny Shum)
3. Noboru Takagi (T: Charlie Appleby)